DLD across the lifespan

DLD is not the same in every stage of life. Children change, and their environment changes too. A child’s world gets bigger. Participating in that world becomes more important as children develop. But in order to participate, children need more and more language. 

For young children with DLD, communication and language problems stand out. For example, they may not always be able to say what they mean. Older children often face difficulties related to communication. For instance, they might find it hard to express their feelings or to make friends.

Babies and toddlers

Children with DLD often babbled very little or not at all as babies. As toddlers, children with DLD often speak little. For example, they may be quieter than other children during playtime. Toddlers with DLD may still speak in single words and may understand fewer words. They can get angry or sad if they can not express themselves or you don’t understand them.

Young children

Young children with DLD often use fewer words and speak in short sentences. They often struggle with: 

• Answering questions (it might seem like they can not hear or understand you) 

• Asking questions (it might seem like they don not need anything) 

• Understanding tasks (it seems like they are not listening) 

• Recognising and understanding emotions (they may seem insensitive) 

• Pretend play (they seem to have less imagination) 

DLD can make playing with peersChildren or people of the same age. difficult. Adults may find it challenging to properly help a child who does not say or ask much.

Children in elementary school

From first grade, school revolves around language. Children with DLD often struggle at school. Learning to read and write may be harder for them. Language ability is important in many school subjects. Language is also crucial in group discussions or during playtime. 

Children with DLD often struggle with: 

• Following instructionsTasks or lessons. (also at sports clubs or during street games) 

• Participating in group conversations 

• Talking about what happened 

• Dealing with conflictsA conflict is a disagreement or a difference in opinions. 

• Understanding other people’s feelings 

• Thinking about the consequences of their behaviour 

• Dealing with emotions 

Children with DLD are often insecure. They may worry about not understanding or saying something wrong. As a result they may withdraw, become angry or unruly. 

Adolescents

Language demands increase for adolescents with DLD, both at school and in interactions with peers. In secondary school, skills like writing, abstract thinking, and fast information processingYou pay attention to the information and remember some of it. become more important. High school students with DLD may have problems with: 

• Understanding (abstract) study material 

• Understanding connections 

• Reasoning and debating 

• Planning homework or activities 

• Writing papers 

In social interactions with peers, adolescents with DLD often find fast communication in groups challenging, also online. They may struggle to participate in a conversation and to adjust to their conversation partner. Challenges for adolescents with DLD include: 

• Starting or maintaining conversations 

• Participating in (online) group conversations 

• Making and keeping friends 

• Dealing with intense and complex emotions 

Adolescents with DLD often feel like they don’t entirely fit in. They may withdraw or feel excluded.

Young adults

Young adults with DLD are all different. Many have learned to cope well with DLD. They know their strengths and weaknesses. However, the road to independence may still be bumpy. They may face issues around education, work, independent living, social contacts, and wellbeing. 

Young adults with DLD want to become independent, preferably on their own. They often need some help from family, friends, or professionals, with finances, administration, or household tasks.

Personal stories in Dutch:

Isa, 21 jaar:

TOSportret familie Pellen:

Janette, moeder van Isa en Babette: