Parents often find themselves anxious about their children hitting developmental milestones. We monitor when they start crawling, walking, and talking, comparing notes with fellow parents. When we notice something off, we consult pediatricians and pose numerous questions.
Generally, the spectrum of “normal” development for language and speech is broad, with many late bloomers eventually catching up to their peers. However, there are instances—more common than one might think—where speech difficulties signify a medical condition known as developmental language disorder (DLD).
Recent studies from a group of researchers in the UK have shed light on DLD, clarifying its genetic components. Approximately 7.5% of children—roughly 2 in every classroom of 30—are affected by this disorder. Alarmingly, about half of DLD cases go undiagnosed, meaning that many children are missing out on essential treatment.
As reported by The Guardian, DLD presents as an unexplained language delay that persists into the school years. Children with DLD struggle to comprehend spoken language and, due to their limited vocabulary, have difficulty articulating their own thoughts and feelings. Unlike typical late bloomers, research indicates that children with DLD entering school are likely to face ongoing language challenges throughout childhood and into adulthood.
Courtenay Norbury, a professor specializing in developmental language and communication disorders at a prominent university, notes that children with DLD often lag behind their peers by two to three years in language skills during the early school years, with little evidence of catching up. As language forms the bedrock of learning, students with DLD frequently experience difficulties in other academic areas as well.
Contrary to some misconceptions, children with DLD are not lazy or unruly. Their challenges stem from a medical condition that hampers their ability to understand spoken instructions, which can lead to behaviors that seem disobedient or disengaged. Norbury states, “Children with DLD are twice as likely as their peers with typical language skills to be rated as having poor attention and behavior. This is likely a result of their struggle to navigate a world with limited language.”
Furthermore, the speech delays associated with DLD are not indicative of poor parenting. They are not due to a lack of parental interaction or the result of growing up in bilingual households. Instead, they arise from genetic alterations during early brain development.
Nevertheless, despite the genetic basis for DLD, there are proactive measures that can be taken to alleviate its effects. Norbury advocates for prioritizing speech-language therapy for children with DLD, particularly for those from underprivileged backgrounds. This will empower parents to better understand their child’s challenges and foster enhanced language skills. “Language is a two-way street,” Norbury emphasizes. “If a child isn’t vocal and doesn’t readily respond, parents may find it challenging to engage.”
While early intervention is optimal, it’s important to note that there is no definitive endpoint for DLD treatment. The objective is to improve language abilities, enhance communication, and provide support to mitigate long-term risks. Norbury highlights that the transition into adolescence, particularly the move to middle and high school, can be a critical time for children with DLD due to the increasing complexity of language demands in the curriculum and the nuanced communication required for managing social relationships. Research indicates that teenagers with DLD are more than twice as likely to experience symptoms of depression.
This information isn’t intended to cause alarm or provoke unnecessary consultations with pediatricians if a child isn’t speaking a specific number of words by a certain age. Labels and diagnoses can be complex; however, increased awareness about DLD can enable parents to seek out the treatments and interventions necessary for better communication. After all, who doesn’t want to feel heard and understood?
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Summary:
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) affects approximately 7.5% of children and often goes undiagnosed. It leads to persistent language delays that can hinder academic performance and social interactions. Contrary to common misconceptions, DLD is not a result of poor parenting but is linked to genetic factors. Early intervention through speech-language therapy can significantly enhance communication skills and support affected children as they navigate their developmental journey.