Understanding DLD: It’s Not “Just a Speech Delay”
Recently, I attended a professional development workshop on Developmental Language Disorder with Dr Shaun Ziegenfusz, and it really reinforced something we see often in clinic, some children aren’t “just a bit late” with talking. They are experiencing something deeper, and they need the right kind of support.
Let’s unpack this together.
So… what is DLD?
DLD is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a child understands and uses language.
This might look like:
Difficulty following instructions
Trouble putting sentences together
Limited vocabulary compared to peers
Challenges in telling stories or explaining ideas
Finding it hard to keep up in conversations
Importantly, these challenges are ongoing and impact everyday life including home, school etc.
It’s not “just a delay”
One of the biggest misconceptions is that children with languages will simply “grow out of it” or be fixed with intervention.
While all children develop at different rates, DLD is not just a slower timeline, it’s a difference in how the brain processes language.
Without support, these difficulties can continue into the school years and beyond, especially as language demands increase.
But my child is seems smart?
Children with Developmental Language Disorder can have good cognitive skills, including average IQ.
They might be:
Curious
Social
Great problem-solvers
Creative and imaginative
They may understand the world well, figure things out quickly, and show strengths in areas like play, reasoning, or visual learning.
Language is just one part of how we learn and connect. A child can have strong cognition, but still find it difficult to understand or use language.
Misconceptions
One of the most powerful takeaways from the workshop was how much global advocacy is growing around DLD. You might have seen DLD Awareness Day gaining more attention each year, which is a big step forward.
Because the reality is, DLD is common, but often missed or misunderstood.
The more we talk about it, the better we can:
Support children earlier
Empower parents with knowledge
Help teachers recognise the signs
Create more inclusive learning environments
We’re also continually inspired by advocacy work led by researchers and clinicians like Dr Shaun Ziegenfusz, whose work in the DLD Project is helping bridge the gap between research and real-world practice. Efforts like this are so important in making sure families, educators, and clinicians have access to clear, practical information about DLD.
How does DLD show up in everyday life?
Sometimes it’s subtle at first. You might notice:
Your child says less than others their age
They rely on gestures or copying others
They struggle to answer questions like “why” or “how”
They get frustrated when trying to explain themselves
They find it hard to follow group instructions
As they get older, it may look like:
Difficulty with reading comprehension
Trouble keeping up in class discussions
Challenges with friendships due to communication breakdowns
Why early support matters
The good news? With the right support, children with DLD can absolutely thrive.
Speech pathology can help by:
Building vocabulary and sentence skills
Supporting understanding of language
Teaching strategies to express ideas
Working alongside families and educators
At Little Birds, we focus on meeting each child where they’re at, using play, connection, and meaningful interactions to support communication.
A gentle reminder
If you’re wondering whether your child might have DLD, trust that instinct. You don’t need to wait until things feel “serious enough.”
Early support isn’t about labelling, it’s about understanding your child and giving them the tools they need to communicate confidently.
Want to learn more?
If you have concerns about your child’s language development, we’re here to help. Feel free to reach out to the Little Birds team, we’d love to support you and your child on their communication journey.
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