by Mary Lowery, M.S. CCC-SLP
What is Developmental Language Disorder?
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a common communication disorder
that affects how children learn, understand, and use language. It can
impact speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Since the signs
of DLD aren't always easy to spot, it's often referred to as a "hidden
condition."
Key Facts About DLD
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DLD affects about 1 in 14 children, making it one of the most common
developmental disorders.
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DLD is a lifelong disorder, with language difficulties continuing into
adulthood. The effects can impact education, work, and social life.
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It may also be known as: Specific Language Impairment (SLI), Language
Delay, or Developmental Dysphasia.
What Causes DLD?
DLD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning it starts in childhood and
affects the way the brain develops. The difficulties associated with DLD
are not caused by other conditions like hearing loss, head injury, autism,
or lack of exposure to language. While the exact cause of DLD is unknown,
it likely has a genetic basis.
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DLD often runs in families — 50-70% of children with DLD have a family
member with similar language difficulties.
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Related conditions like dyslexia or autism may also be more common in
the families of children with DLD.
Signs of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
DLD can look different in each person who has it, and the signs may change
as the person grows. A child with language difficulties may mistakenly be
seen as having behavior issues. For example, a child who doesn't follow
directions or becomes frustrated when misunderstood may be seen as
disobedient. It is important to determine if a language disorder is
present in children who are having difficulty at home or at school.
Knowing the signs of DLD can help make this determination.
In Younger Children, Signs of DLD May Include:
- Meeting spoken language milestones later than their peers
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Trouble learning new words and putting words together into sentences
- Difficulty having conversations
- Difficulty following directions
- Frequent mistakes with grammar
In Older Children and Adults, Signs of DLD May Include:
- Limited use of longer or more complex sentences
- Struggling to find the right words when speaking
- Trouble understanding jokes, idioms, or figurative language
- Challenges with reading, writing, and spelling
- Difficulty telling a detailed story in a logical sequence
DLD is a common yet often overlooked condition that can significantly
affect a child's ability to communicate, learn, and connect with others.
Early identification is best, but starting treatment at any age can be
helpful. If you suspect your child may be struggling with language,
seeking support from a speech-language pathologist can make a big
difference. With the right help and support, children with DLD can improve
their language skills at home, in school, and beyond.
Resources
“Developmental Language Disorder.” Cleveland Clinic. August 09, 2024.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/developmental-language-disorder-dld
“Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) Information.” The DLD Project.
Retrieved September 2, 2025 from
https://thedldproject.com/developmental-language-disorder-dld/
“Developmental Language Disorder.” National Institute on Deafness and
Other Communication Disorders. May 8, 2023.
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/developmental-language-disorder
