Op-Ed: Developmental Language Disorder—May is Speech, Language and Hearing Month
submitted by the Speech-Language Pathologists of LBPSB
Each edition of the Pearson News will now feature an op-ed/article written by LBPSB employees that represents the focused opinion of the writer(s) on an issue of relevance to the community.
For the current edition we are featuring an article on Developmental Language Disorder written by LBPSB Speech-Language Pathologists. This is to coincide with the month of May being Speech, Language and Hearing Month.
If you would like to write about an issue that is of interest to you please e-mail communications@lbpsb.qc.ca
May is Speech, Language and Hearing Month. This is a good opportunity to explore Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Understanding DLD is crucial for parents and educators as it affects how students learn and communicate.
What is DLD?
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is one of the most common childhood disorders. DLD impacts 1 in 14 children, yet few people are aware of this term. In an effort to raise public awareness and increase understanding about language disorders, DLD now replaces terms such as specific language impairment, language delay, primary language disorder, and dysphasia.
DLD is a diagnosis given to a person who has difficulty using and/or understanding language. These difficulties are present from birth and create obstacles in communicating and learning, in everyday life situations. DLD has a genetic and biological basis, but there is not a single known cause. We do know that DLD is not caused by how parents speak to, and interact with, their children.
We also know that speaking more than one language does not cause DLD. Children with DLD can acquire more than one language. However, difficulties in acquiring language will be present across all languages spoken. Children should continue to be exposed to the languages spoken across their environments (ex., home, school, community).
How to Recognize DLD
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of DLD can help parents and educators identify students who may need additional support. Children with DLD may have delays in saying their first words or forming sentences. They may have a smaller vocabulary or struggle to find the right words when expressing themselves. Understanding spoken or written instructions can be challenging for students with DLD, leading to difficulties in following classroom activities. Communication difficulties can impact social interactions, leading to challenges making friends or participating in group activities. DLD can affect literacy skills, making it difficult for students to read, write, and comprehend written texts. Children with DLD are also more likely to experience difficulty in math.
Because so much of learning depends on being able to understand and use language, it is critical to make sure students with DLD receive the support they need to be successful. If you are concerned about your child or student’s language development, a Speech-Language Pathologist (S-LP) can help. S-LPs are the professionals who can evaluate, diagnose and support students with DLD.
Supporting Students with DLD
As parents and educators, there are many strategies that can be used to support children with DLD. However, an S-LP can help identify specific interventions for a student, based on their unique set of needs and strengths. Here are some general ways we can support students with DLD in the classroom:
- Provide Visual Supports: Supplement verbal instructions with visuals such as pictures, diagrams, or written instructions to enhance understanding.
- Simplify Language: Use clear and concise language when giving instructions or explanations. Break down complex concepts into smaller, more manageable chunks, and avoid using abstract or ambiguous language.
- Provide Additional Time and Support: Allow students with DLD extra time to process information, complete tasks, and express themselves. Allow access to assistive technology as needed.
- Repeat and Reinforce: Repeat important information multiple times using different modalities (verbal, visual, tactile) to reinforce learning and understanding. Repetition can help solidify concepts for students with DLD.
Understanding Developmental Language Disorder is essential for creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students. By recognizing the signs, implementing appropriate strategies, and collaborating with S-LPs, we can help students with DLD thrive academically and socially.
Links to Additional Resources
