DLD - the disability you've never heard of
DLD is a hidden disability. It's more common than autism and two children in every classroom have it. Having DLD is lonely because no-one understands. My name is Ellen and I'd like to share with you what it's like to have DLD and how you can help.
DLD is a hidden disability. It's more common than autism and two children in every classroom have it. Having DLD is lonely because no-one understands. My name is Ellen and I'd like to share with you what it's like to have DLD and how you can help.
For children like me it can be hard to find the words to express ourselves. DLD is like dyslexia for spoken language. For children who suffer from DLD thinking of words can be like searching through fog.
For children like me it can be hard to find the words to express ourselves. DLD is like dyslexia for spoken language. For children who suffer from DLD thinking of words can be like searching through fog.
How to help a help a child with DLD
How to help a help a child with DLD
DOs
DOs
- Get to know me as a person, I am more than just my DLD
- Involve me but then give me time to respond and actually listen
- Give me choices when you ask me a question- it can give me a prompt and then I can build on it with my own ideas
- Experiment with different teaching styles- not just writing or copying
- Use pictures or symbols as well as words
- Keep it simple - the less spoken words the better
- Write down or highlight key words
- Breakdown vocabulary- give examples of its use in sentences
- Make the classroom a safe place so you can always have a go
- Include everyone - you don't need to speak to join in
- Follow the advice from a speech and language therapist
DON'Ts
DON'Ts
- Assume because I am quiet I have nothing to say
- Talk about me instead of to me
- Be afraid of silence - I need thinking and processing time
- Forget about me - I think more than I speak and I still have eyes and ears
- Watch me as I am thinking; it's too much pressure
- Lose your patience- I am trying my best
- Forget your actions also tell a story - I've spent a lifetime people watching
- Limit my opportunities - let me try and then learn from my mistakes
- Be afraid of trying - it will show you care - one size does not fit all and it's better to have done something rather than nothing
- Underestimate me - challenge me- I may surprise you!
- Give up on me