Understanding Developmental Language Disorder in Children

This article explains what Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) can look like in childhood and why it is often misunderstood or missed. It explores how DLD affects communication, learning, play, and emotional wellbeing, and offers practical ways parents can support language at home and alongside school. It focuses on everyday support, includes guidance relevant to AAC users, and acknowledges that some children follow different language pathways, including Gestalt language development.

Supporting communication, learning, and confidence in childhood

Some children struggle with language from an early age.

They may find it hard to understand what’s being said, to find the words they want, or to put their ideas into sentences. Often, these difficulties are noticed long before anyone uses the term Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) — if the term is used at all.

For many families, concerns are first described as “late talking”, “immaturity”, or “they’ll catch up”. Sometimes children do make progress — but for others, language continues to be a challenge as demands increase.

Understanding DLD in childhood can help parents make sense of what they’re seeing and support their child with confidence.

What is Developmental Language Disorder?

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a child understands and uses language. It is identified by a speech and language therapist and is not explained by intellectual disability, hearing loss, or lack of opportunity.

DLD is a persistent difficulty with language, meaning it continues over time, although how it shows up can change as children grow.

DLD can affect:

• understanding spoken language

• learning new words

• putting words together into sentences

• finding the right words

• organising ideas into stories or explanations

• remembering verbal information

• understanding abstract or figurative language

Many children with DLD speak clearly and may appear confident. This can make their difficulties easy to miss, particularly in busy classrooms or group play.

What causes DLD?

We don’t yet know the exact cause of DLD.

Research suggests that the brain systems involved in speech, language, and communication may develop slightly differently in children with DLD. These differences are subtle and don’t show up on brain scans.

Genetics also play a role. DLD is more common in families, but there is no single gene or medical test that can identify it.

Importantly, parents do not cause DLD. It is not the result of parenting style, environment, or effort. DLD is thought to arise from a combination of factors that are outside anyone’s control.

With the right understanding and support, children with DLD can do very well.

How common is DLD?

Developmental Language Disorder is more common than many people realise.

Research suggests that around two children in every primary school classroom have DLD. Despite this, it often goes unrecognised — especially in children who speak clearly or are well behaved.

Why DLD is often misunderstood in childhood

DLD is sometimes missed because:

• children may be sociable and eager to please

• speech may sound clear

• difficulties can be uneven (some skills stronger than others)

• behaviours may be attributed to attention, behaviour, or motivation

Children with DLD are often working much harder than it appears.

DLD, play, and friendships

Language plays a central role in play and social interaction.

Children with DLD may:

• struggle to keep up with fast-moving play

• misunderstand rules or expectations

• find it hard to explain their ideas

• become frustrated or withdraw

These challenges can affect confidence and make social situations feel exhausting, even when children want to join in.

DLD and learning at school

Language underpins learning across the curriculum.

Children with DLD may find it harder to:

• follow verbal instructions

• understand classroom talk

• learn new vocabulary

• retell stories or explain their thinking

• develop early literacy skills

As language demands increase, difficulties may become more noticeable — not because children are trying less, but because more is being asked of their language system.

Emotional wellbeing and behaviour

When children struggle to communicate, behaviour is often a form of communication.

Children with DLD may:

• become frustrated more easily

• avoid tasks that feel language-heavy

• appear anxious or withdrawn

• show behaviours linked to overwhelm

Understanding the language load behind behaviour helps adults respond with support rather than pressure.

How parents can support children with DLD at home

You don’t need specialist equipment or extra time to support your child’s language.

Helpful approaches often include:

Reducing language load

• Use short, clear sentences

• Give one instruction at a time

• Allow extra processing time

Supporting understanding

• Check understanding gently (“Show me what to do”)

• Use visuals, gestures, or demonstrations

• Repeat key information using similar wording

Supporting expression

• Accept pauses and word-finding difficulties

• Avoid correcting every error

• Encourage different ways to communicate (drawing, gestures, AAC)

Supporting emotional moments

• Reduce questions when emotions are high

• Reflect feelings (“That was tricky”)

• Focus on connection before explanation

AAC and different language pathways

Some children with DLD benefit from AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), either temporarily or long-term. AAC supports language access and does not stop speech from developing.

Some children may also show features of Gestalt language development, particularly when language is under pressure. Supporting meaning and connection  rather than forcing word-by-word speech helps communication grow.

The role of speech and language therapy

Speech and language therapy can help children with DLD by:

• supporting understanding and expression

• developing vocabulary and sentence structure

• supporting play and social communication

• advising parents and schools on helpful strategies

Early identification and support can reduce frustration and help children access learning more confidently.

Children with DLD are not lazy, unmotivated, or incapable.

They are often working incredibly hard to do something that others find easier.

With understanding, appropriate support, and time, children with DLD can build strong communication skills, positive relationships, and confidence in themselves.

 

If you’re concerned about your child’s language, communication, or learning or you’re unsure whether Developmental Language Disorder may be part of the picture you’re welcome to get in touch. Talking things through can help clarify what support might be helpful next.

References

Bishop, D.V.M., Snowling, M.J., Thompson, P.A. and Greenhalgh, T. (2017) ‘CATALISE: A multinational and multidisciplinary Delphi consensus study of problems with language development. Phase 2’, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 58(10), pp. 1068–1080.https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12721

Conti-Ramsden, G., Mok, P.L.H., Pickles, A. and Durkin, K. (2013) ‘Adolescents with a history of specific language impairment: Strengths and difficulties in social, emotional and behavioural functioning’, Research in Developmental Disabilities, 34(11), pp. 4161–4169.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2013.08.043

McKean, C., Reilly, S., Bavin, E.L., Bretherton, L., Cini, E., Conway, L., Cook, F., Eadie, P., Mensah, F., Prior, M. and Wake, M. (2017) ‘Language outcomes at 7 years: Early predictors and co-occurring difficulties’, Pediatrics, 139(3), e20161684.https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-1684

Norbury, C.F., Gooch, D., Wray, C., Baird, G., Charman, T., Simonoff, E. and Pickles, A. (2016) ‘The impact of nonverbal ability on prevalence and clinical presentation of language disorder’, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 57(11), pp. 1247–1257.https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12573

Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (2023) Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). London: RCSLT.

Speech and Language UK (2023) Developmental Language Disorder (DLD): Information for families. Available at: https://speechandlanguage.org.uk/help-for-families/developmental-language-disorder-awareness/