Developmental Language Disorder: the hidden disability with a huge impact on children

One in fourteen Australians live with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), a disability which is more common than Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) but which receives far less attention, funding and understanding. 

DLD is a hidden but common neurodevelopmental disability that affects around 7 per cent of Australians causing difficulties understanding and using language for no known reason. Until 2017, DLD was known by 32 different terms globally, including ‘Specific Language Impairment,’ ‘Developmental Aphasia,’ ‘Language Learning Impairment’ and ‘Language Disorder.’ 

As with more well understood conditions like ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, DLD is a lifelong, permanent disability. People do not grow out of DLD but with individualised support that can include regular speech therapy and educational adjustments, they can thrive.

“People with DLD are six times more likely to suffer from anxiety and three times more likely to have clinical depression,” explained Shaun Ziegenfusz, Researcher, Speech Pathologist and Co-Founder of The DLD Project.

“They are also at significant risk of struggling with reading, spelling and mathematics. Although DLD is a common condition affecting many areas of life, people with DLD are unlikely to receive access to services,” he added. 

The DLD Project is Australian-based social enterprise is advocating for increased recognition and support for people with DLD across their lifespan.

Friday 14 of October 2022 is DLD Awareness Day and this year the theme is Growing with DLD, highlighting that DLD is a lifelong, permanent disability. More than 80 landmarks globally will be lit up in purple and yellow lights to raise awareness of DLD. 

Now in its sixth year, DLD Awareness Day is acknowledged in more than 40 countries. Learn more about the DLD Project here.