Developmental Language Disorder
Today is Developmental Language Disorder Awareness Day. Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) refers to a person’s difficulty developing language skills. Here are some facts about DLD that you may not be aware of:
A person with DLD has difficulties with language, not intelligence.
1 in 14 people have DLD.
People with DLD do not look different from their peers and it may not be immediately obvious.
DLD is a lifelong condition. The exact cause is unknown, but it can run in families.
Learning to read relies on language skills, thus people with DLD may have difficulties learning to read.
Whilst DLD can occur alongside challenges in other areas of development, every child has a different developmental journey. Identifying DLD often occurs during early language assessment by a Speech Pathologist. With this identification, a plan to help can be put in place to support the child’s development. When provided with high quality support and understanding, a person with DLD can achieve social, academic and professional success.
For more information on DLD visit the website www.radld.org or please do not hesitate to contact me on 0408 986 402 or danielle@dmspeech.com.au.
It’s Speech Pathology Week!
August 23-29 is Speech Pathology Week and this year’s theme is “communicate with confidence!”
Whether it be working with children developing their early language or the more than 1.2 million Australians who live with a communication disability, Speech Pathologists work to ensure everyone can communicate with confidence.
Communicating with confidence is an important skill for all children to develop. It helps their message be heard in the classroom, in the playground, at home and out in the community. Children have so many questions to ask and so many things to share with their family and friends.
When a child can’t be understood because their speech is unclear, they don’t have the words to communicate or the ability to understand what is being said, they can become passive communicators or exhibit challenging behaviour. A speech pathologist can help identify the issues, develop a plan and through treatment and intervention, help guide your child toward communicating with confidence.
One of the great joys of being a Speech Pathologist is helping a child reach their communication potential. You can find out more information about Speech Pathology Week here and if you’d like to find out how I can work with your child to help them communicate with confidence please get in touch: 0408 986 402 or danielle@dmspeech.com.au.