About Developmental Language Disorder

Children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD, in Dutch: TOS) have difficulties with learning language. Around 5% of children have DLD. However, DLD is not widely known yet. This means parents may feel misunderstood. What should everyone know about DLD?

Language is more difficult

The language development of children with DLD differs from their peersChildren of the same age. Parents often notice this when they hear other children speak. For example, other children may know more words or make (short) sentences sooner. The extent of the delay in language development can be measured by a speech and language therapist (in Dutch: logopedist). A speech and language therapist can diagnose DLD and also help your child with language.

When is it DLD?

Are the language difficulties severe? Does your child not make enough progress after a few months of treatment by a speech and language therapist? Then your child may have DLD. We speak of DLD when there is no clear cause for the delay in language development, such as hearing problems, autism, or a general developmental delay. DLD may resemble other disorders, such as ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder  or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In some cases, children may meet criteria for two (or more) disorders at the same time.

Sometimes it is uncertain whether it is really DLD. In that case we use the term presumed DLD (In Dutch: een vermoeden van TOS). This term is mainly used with young children. The term may also be used when multilingual children are first assessed. If you want to know more about DLD in multilingual children check DLD and multilingualism.

DLD is different for everyone

All children with DLD struggle with talking. Some also have difficulties understanding language. Difficulties can range from recognising or producing speech sounds, learning words or making sentences. Children may also struggle to use language in a social context, for instance to ask a question or take turns in a conversation.

The language difficulties can vary from person to person and across different stages in life. Also, they can affect children’s daily life differently. See DLD in different stages of life for more information.

DLD is a new term

Until 2017, several different terms for DLD were used interchangeably. The most common term in English speaking countries was Specific Language Impairment. Other examples were language delay and developmental dysphasia. In the Netherlands, a common term was Ernstige Spraak-taal Moeilijkheden (ESM) or severe speech-language difficulties. In 2017, it was agreed to use the term Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). The Dutch term for DLD is Taalontwikkelingsstoornis (TOS).

DLD affects children

DLD affects communication and social interaction. It may also affect how children learn, feel, and behave. Language problems can make it harder to participate in society. For example, children may find it more difficult to make friends. It can also make it harder to follow or complete (higher) education. For more information on how DLD affects these domains, see Social-emotional development or DLD at school.  

What causes DLD?

DLD is due to a difference in brain development. The brain processes language less efficiently. As a result, children have difficulties learning and using language. There is no clear cause. Genes or brain scans cannot demonstrate DLD, although it often runs in families. DLD is never due to multilingualism. Importantly, it is not your fault if your child has DLD. However, there are things you can do to help your child. For instance, take a look at these tips.

More information

English language resources on DLD are available from these websites:

• RADLD (UK)
• DLDandMe (UK)
• DLDandMe (US)
• TheDLDProject (Australia)

The UK-based charity Afasic provides a parent helpline.

Harry’s Story is a picture book to create awareness of DLD.