Developmental Language Disorder

What is developmental language disorder (DLD)?

Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a brain difference that affects the way you use and understand language. Symptoms emerge during childhood but carry through to adulthood.

DLD is a language disorder, not a learning disorder. But if you have DLD, you’re more likely to develop learning disorders like dyslexia, dysgraphia and ADHD. DLD also isn’t related to hearing loss. In fact, many healthcare providers call DLD a “hidden condition” because it’s not always obvious. In children, DLD can look like a learning or behavioral disorder.

If you have DLD, you face challenges that many of your peers don’t. These challenges can affect you academically, emotionally and socially. Maybe you feel like you can’t find the right words. Or maybe you have trouble following directions. Maybe you’re so focused on what you want to say next (and how you want to say it), you miss parts of conversations. It can be frustrating and overwhelming. Even though DLD is a lifelong condition, treatment can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in social and academic settings.

How common is DLD?

DLD is one of the most common developmental disorders, affecting about 7% of children in the U.S. Statistically, if you visit a classroom of 28 students, two of those kids will have DLD. The condition is about five times more common than autism spectrum disorder.

Age 5 is the most common age for DLD diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of developmental language disorder?

People with DLD have trouble using and understanding language. This includes verbal and written communication.

Developmental language disorder (DLD) symptoms among kids and adults may include difficulty:

• Answering questions.
• Being comfortable in social situations.
• Expressing ideas.
• Finding the right words (or feeling like the right word is on the tip of your tongue).
• Following directions.
• Holding your attention.
• Learning new words.
• Relating to your peers.
• Telling stories in a linear or organized way.

If you’re an adult with DLD, you might also have difficulty:

• Comprehending what you read.
• Understanding figurative language.
• Using complex sentences.

People with DLD are also four times more likely to have difficulty solving math problems.

What causes DLD?

Most cases of developmental language disorder don’t have an obvious cause. But there are contributing risk factors. A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a certain condition.

DLD risk factors include:

• Genetics. You’re more likely to have DLD if you have a close biological family member with the condition (like a parent, grandparent or sibling). It can also happen due to a spontaneous gene change (mutation).
• Environment. Children with thiamine deficiency may have a higher risk of DLD. In addition, a baby born prematurely or at a low birth weight is more likely to develop language difficulties later.
• Other developmental conditions. Certain conditions, like dyslexia or autism spectrum disorder, can have an impact on your child’s language ability. When a child has DLD and dyslexia, providers call it “language disorder associated with dyslexia.” If a child has DLD and autism spectrum disorder, providers call it “language disorder associated with autism spectrum disorder.”

DLD and bilingualism

Exposure to more than one language doesn’t cause DLD. The learning curve is the same for monolingual and bilingual kids with developmental language disorder.

Some bilingual parents worry that learning two different languages will be harder for their child. But there’s no evidence to support this claim. In fact, healthcare providers recommend it. If you’re a bilingual family, it’s important to speak both languages around your child. Learning only one gives your child fewer opportunities for connection.

How is DLD diagnosed?

A speech-language pathologist will evaluate your (or your child’s) language skills. During this visit, your provider might:

• Ask your child questions about their experiences.
• Do vision and hearing tests.
• Give your child written or verbal tests.
• Interview parents, guardians or teachers.
• Observe how your child reacts in social situations.

How is developmental language disorder treated?

You or your child will work with a speech-language pathologist. Specific treatment depends on your unique situation and challenges.

Developmental language disorder (DLD) treatment can help you or your child:

• Build social skills.
• Develop a better understanding of language.
• Improve reading, speaking and writing skills.
• Organize information.
• Understand and follow directions.

In many cases, speech-language pathologists can help children with DLD qualify for school-based services. These may include:

• An individualized education plan (IEP).
• In-school therapy (speech, physical, occupational or behavioral).
• One-on-one assistance (personal aide).

Can DLD be prevented?

You can’t prevent DLD because you can’t avoid the risk factors that cause it. The best thing to do is seek the help your child needs now. Let your pediatrician know if you have concerns. They can refer you to a speech-language pathologist for testing and treatment.

What’s the outlook for people with DLD?

People with DLD face unique challenges throughout their lifetime. But treatment can help you build your communication skill set. It’s ideal to start treatment as a young child. But intervention at any age can be invaluable.

Without treatment, DLD can result in additional challenges — academically, emotionally and socially. School-aged children may fail a grade. Adults may have trouble finding or maintaining employment.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

If you think your child might have DLD, ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a speech-language pathologist. Early intervention is best. They can talk with you about child developmental milestones and recommend a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment can be helpful, no matter your age. If you’re an adult with language challenges, talk to a healthcare provider. It’s never too late to get the tools you need.