Raising awareness Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)

Moor House School & College has been an integral part of the Hurst Green community for 75 years! We are situated at the top end of Mill Lane, with wonderful views of the green from our first-floor offices and classrooms. The school is one of very few in the country specialising in supporting children and young people from the ages of 7-19 with language disorders, including Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).

DLD is diagnosed when children have difficulties acquiring language for no obvious reason. This results in them struggling to understand what people say to them and/or with articulating their ideas and feelings. Developmental Language Disorder is a hidden disability and affects approximately 7% of the population. Recent research in Surrey has shown that, on average, two children in every class of 30 will experience DLD severe enough to hinder academic progress. It is a lifelong condition, and can impact on mental health and well-being, the development of social skills, and independence.

As part of DLD Awareness Day on Friday 20th October 2023, we would like to share some facts about Developmental Language Disorder with our local community:

One in 14 people have Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Diagnosis is made by a speech and language therapist however a person with DLD may need support from other health and education professionals.

Individuals with DLD will often find it hard to:

• Understand and learn new words

• Follow instructions or answer questions

• Find the words to express ideas

• Say or write words in the right order

• Engage in conversations or tell a story

• Pay attention

• Learn to read and write

• Remember what they have been told

DLD affects an individual’s life, regardless of their nationality and language. Speaking more than one language does not cause DLD.

DLD has a genetic and biological basis, but there is not a single known cause. 

DLD is not caused by how parents interact verbally with their children.

Children and young people with DLD are four times more likely to experience difficulties with maths and six times more likely to face challenges with English.

Co-occurring conditions can include other specific learning difficulties, ADHD, dyslexia, and mental health issues.

Children, young people and adults with DLD can succeed in life, with the right support that meets their unique strengths and areas of need.

For more information do visit our website
www.moorhouseschool.co.uk
Or www.radld.org