Developmental Language Disorder (DLD): complete guide
The Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), formerly known as dysphasia, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that permanently affects the acquisition and use of spoken language. This disorder persists despite appropriate stimulation and in the absence of intellectual disability, sensory impairment, or an explanatory medical condition. It affects about 7% of children.
🗣️ Resources to support DLD
Visual supports, language exercises, adapted tools
Access the tools →📋 Table of contents
Definition and diagnostic criteria
According to the international CATALISE consensus (2017), DLD is defined by:
- Persistent language difficulties (beyond 5 years)
- Significant functional impact on daily communication
- Difficulties that are not explained by: intellectual disability, sensory impairment, neurological injury, ASD, or other medical conditions
- Difficulties that persist despite appropriate intervention
⚠️ New terminology
The term "dysphasia" has been replaced by "Developmental Language Disorder" (DLD) in international classifications. This new name better reflects the neurodevelopmental and persistent nature of the disorder.
Manifestations of DLD
DLD can affect different components of language, with varied profiles:
| Component | Possible difficulties |
|---|---|
| Phonology | Sound disorders, persistent phonological simplifications |
| Vocabulary | Reduced lexicon, word-finding difficulties, slow lexical access |
| Morphosyntax | Short sentences, omissions, persistent grammatical errors |
| Discourse/narrative | Difficulties organizing ideas, poor narratives |
| Pragmatics | Sometimes conversational difficulties |
| Comprehension | Variable: sometimes preserved, sometimes impaired |
Clinical profiles
- Expressive DLD: preserved comprehension, impaired expression
- Mixed DLD: both expression AND comprehension impaired
- Some profiles affect phonology more, others morphosyntax...
Diagnosis
Warning signs
- First words after 18-24 months
- Delayed word combinations (after 30-36 months)
- Little intelligible speech after 4 years
- Persistent difficulties despite rehabilitation
- School difficulties related to language
Diagnostic assessment
- Comprehensive speech therapy assessment: all components of language
- Psychological assessment: exclude intellectual disability, evaluate non-verbal reasoning
- Audiological assessment: exclude sensory impairment
- Neuropediatric consultation if necessary
💡 Differentiate delay and disorder
A language delay resolves over time and with stimulation. A DLD persists despite intervention. The diagnosis of DLD is generally made with certainty only after 5 years, when the persistent nature is established.
Daily impact
- Communication: frustration, difficulties being understood
- Schooling: learning difficulties, reading, writing
- Social: sometimes difficult relationships with peers
- Emotional: risk of low self-esteem, anxiety
- Behavior: sometimes behavioral issues (frustration)
Speech therapy management
Principles
- Early: as soon as difficulties are identified
- Intensive: several sessions per week if possible
- Extended: over several years
- Global: all components of language
- Functional: aim for effective communication
Areas of focus
- Development of vocabulary with visual supports
- Work on morphosyntax: sentence construction
- Work on phonology if necessary
- Development of narrative
- Preparation for written language
- Parental guidance: family involvement
Schooling and accommodations
Students with DLD are entitled to accommodations (PAP or PPS):
- Systematic visual supports
- Reformulated, simplified instructions
- Extra time
- Adaptation of oral assessments
- Assistance with writing (secretary, computer)
- AESH if necessary (with PPS)
- Possible orientation to ULIS TFM (Motor Function Disorders) or UEE
Our downloadable tools
🖼️ Daily pictogram
Images to enrich vocabulary with visual support.
Download📊 Syntactic visual support
Diagrams to visualize sentence structure.
Download📷 Sequential images
To work on narrative and idea organization.
Download📚 Semantic category cards
For lexical work and vocabulary organization.
DownloadFrequently asked questions
DLD is a persistent disorder: it does not "cure" in the medical sense. However, with appropriate management, individuals with DLD make significant progress and can develop functional communication. Difficulties may lessen but often some residual issues persist (written language, elaborate expression). Support may be necessary throughout life.
The DLD primarily affects spoken language. Dyslexia specifically affects the learning of written language (reading). However, many children with DLD also develop dyslexia because spoken language is the foundation of written language. The two disorders can therefore coexist.
Many children with DLD attend regular schooling with accommodations (PAP/PPS). For severe cases, orientation to a specialized class (ULIS) may be proposed, with the possibility of returning to a regular environment. The important thing is to adapt schooling to the child's needs. With appropriate support, many succeed in their educational and professional paths.
🗣️ Supporting DLD
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