10 Most Common Questions about language disorders answered

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As parents, we are concern about the development of our child, be it physically or mentally. And today we will talk about delay in language---Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and the important points you need to know.

1. What is DLD?

According to (Paul, Norbury & Gosse, 2018), developmental language disorder (DLD) is a significant deficit in learning to talk, understand, or use any aspect of language, relative to both environmental and norm-referenced expectations for children of a similar developmental level.

2. What is the cause of DLD?

There is, lamentably, no known cause for DLD despite numerous studies. It is contributed by multiple factors including the child's environment, genetics, family input, brain changes and cognitive processing.

3. How do I know if my child will or has DLD?

Here we are, a taciturn child who exhibits fewer words and speak less than her/his same-aged peers. Is that just because of the timid personality or that the skill is yet to be developed? Or that it is in fact DLD? This can be tricky. Clinically, there are several red flags to look out for based on studies done. Read more in my later blog about risk factors of DLD. some examples would be prematurity and family history of language difficulties. Yet it is important to note that, having these red flags DOES NOT mean a child must have DLD, they just tend to acquire it.

4. Is there a cure to DLD?

As upsetting as this could sound, DLD cannot be cured. Though it can be prevented and the impacts can be ameliorated.

5. Why do I go to therapy if there is no cure to DLD?

What therapies do is to prepare younger kids for later language abilities to prevent DLD as well as ameliorating existing language difficulties so that our children can function productively as their same-age peers and achieve academic success.

6. What can I do if my child has DLD?

First, consider the risk factors mentioned in my later blog. Having all things considered, should you still be suspicious, it is recommended to visit your local speech pathology clinic. Depending on the clinic, therapy program and the child, parents could be invited to take part in regular meetings with the SLP and implement intervention with the child.

7. Does that mean my child will function worse as others?

Again, speech therapies helps prevent and adress the language difficulties.

It is not to say that children with DLD are worse, just that they need more guidance in their path to academic success.

8. How prevalent is DLD?

According the Courtenay Frazier Norbury and her team, there are 2 children with DLD in every 30 people classroom.

9. How long does therapy for DLD take?

It depends on multiple factors such as the child's area of difficulty, language, personality and family input.

10. What can I do to prevent my child from DLD?

It is vital to identify factors that can increase the risk of DLD. Read more in my blog for more details.

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More questions about Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)? Comment below and let me know!

Have a great day and don't forget to smile!

Joyce Lau