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Language Disorder

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Language Disorder

Contents

What language disorder is
Signs and symptoms
Causes and contributing factors
Getting assessed and diagnosed
Support in education
Speech and language strategies
Related guidance

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What language disorder is

Language disorder (sometimes called Developmental Language Disorder or DLD) affects a person’s ability to understand and use spoken language.
 It can make learning, communication and social interaction more challenging, even when hearing and intelligence are typical.

Language disorder is common but often misunderstood. Early identification and consistent speech and language support can greatly improve outcomes.

Related guidance

  • Speech and Language
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Hearing Impairment (HI)
  • Social Communication Difficulties
  • SEN Wellbeing
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    Signs and symptoms

    Children or young people with language disorder may:

    • have difficulty understanding questions or instructions

    • use short or incomplete sentences

    • struggle to find the right words or use the wrong tense

    • repeat phrases or pause often when speaking

    • misunderstand jokes, idioms or figurative language

    • find reading comprehension harder than decoding words

    Check signs of language disorder
    Learn how to recognise difficulties with understanding or expressing language.

    Causes and contributing factors

    Language disorder may occur:

    • as a standalone developmental difference (DLD)

    • alongside other conditions such as ADHD, autism or hearing loss

    • after brain injury, infection or trauma

    • with genetic or family links

    It is not caused by lack of intelligence, poor teaching or limited exposure to speech.

    Learn what causes language disorder
    Understand developmental and environmental factors that affect language skills.

    Getting assessed and diagnosed

    Assessment is carried out by a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) and may include:

    • observation of communication and play

    • standardised tests for understanding and expression

    • input from parents, teachers and health professionals

    A diagnosis of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is made when language difficulties are not explained by another condition.

    Find out how language disorders are assessed and diagnosed

    Support in education

    Support strategies include:

    • simplifying language and giving short, clear instructions

    • checking understanding rather than asking “Do you understand?”

    • using visuals, gestures or symbols to support meaning

    • pre-teaching new vocabulary

    • providing extra time for responses and written work

    Pupils with significant needs may benefit from SEN support or an EHCP with therapy included.

    Read about speech and language support in schools

    Speech and language strategies

    • Speech therapy sessions focused on understanding, expression and vocabulary

    • Small-group or one-to-one interventions

    • Use of communication aids (e.g. visuals, Makaton, AAC apps)

    • Consistent home–school communication

    External resources:

    NHS: Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
    ICAN: Children’s communication charity
    The Communication Trust

    Get support for language disorder

    Search for therapists and SEN tutors who support language development and communication skills.

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