- What is Language Disorder?
Language Disorder impacts a child’s ability to understand and use language.
Language Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disability that impacts a child’s ability to understand and use language. It impacts children and young people’s everyday social interactions and education.
What is Language Disorder? - School Support Services
Every child deserves the chance to succeed at school.
Getting a good start in school provides the foundation for a child’s learning and development for the rest of their lives.
School Support Services
Children with Developmental Language Disorder are as able and healthy as other children. With one exception, they have great difficulty thinking about, understanding and using language. They are often as intelligent as other children their age, but still have difficulties with language. There may be no outward signs of disability and no obvious physical indicators of a problem. For this reason, Developmental Language Disorder is also known as a ‘hidden disability’ affecting 1 in 14 children.
Although DLD primarily affects language, children and young people with the condition may also have social and emotional difficulties. Research tells us that individuals without a diagnosis and appropriate support, may experience poor mental health and employment outcomes.
Developmental Language Disorder is a significant and lifelong disability. Children with DLD won’t grow out of it. However, with access to early and quality intervention, children and young people with DLD can succeed: academically, socially and professionally, and can live rich and fulfilling lives.
Video – What is DLD?
Podcast – Exploring DLD
Additional Resources
RADLD – Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder
Additional Resources – Research
Developmental Language Disorder and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The theme of last year's DLD Awareness Day, led by RADLD, is Growing with DLD.
Our Support Networks
Therapy support for children and young people with Language Disorder and other developmental and learning needs.
A full educational experience for children and young people with Language Disorder – from Prep to Year 12.
Enhancing outcomes for students with Language Disorder through consultation, capacity building through intensive support and professional learning for school staff.
Head office
Level 3, 88 Jephson Street,
Toowong, QLD, 4066, Brisbane
