For Parents

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) occurs when children have difficulty learning language skills without an obvious reason (like a hearing loss or intellectual impairment). Children with DLD have trouble understanding spoken language, finding words, and putting together grammatical sentences. DLD often isn't recognized, but it can affect children's progress in school and their relationships with peers. It's important to improve our services for children affected by DLD.  For more  information on DLD, check out RADLD  or DLD and me.

Children with and without language disorders and other disabilities can learn to speak two (or more) languages! In fact, many children need to develop skills in two or more languages in order to communicate with their families as well as their peers and teachers. It is important to support their development in all the languages they need to succeed. Parents might be interested in Learning Two Languages or the Head Start Culture & Language Resource site.

Children with speech or language disorders can benefit from treatment services in clinical and educational settings. Parents looking for clinical services can search the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Find a Professional. We recommend finding a provider who builds a strong working relationship with you and your child!