DLD is diagnosed when a child’s language skills are persistently below the level expected for the child’s age. In DLD, language deficits occur in the absence of a known biomedical condition, such as autism spectrum disorder or Down syndrome, and interfere with the child’s ability to communicate effectively with other people. Expressive language is characterised by non-specific words and short simple sentences to express meanings beyond the age at which children may be using more complex language. Language disorders emerge in early childhood, have a significant impact on everyday social interactions or educational progress, and persist throughout the school years and into adulthood.
See our written DLD Topic Guide
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
