Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is when a child has difficulties with language development only, without signs of difficulties in any other area of development. DLD takes time to diagnose, and can take different forms. Some children have difficulty with both understanding and using language, while others only struggle with using language. DLD can also have knock-on effects like social or academic withdrawal. The Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapy have produced this booklet with some general information on DLD, which you might find useful. Children with DLD typically benefit from Speech and Language Therapy on a continuous basis as their needs are ongoing and complex, and this is where we come in. Availing of private Speech and Language Therapy lets you choose the frequency and length of intervention, without being confined to a prescribed number of sessions before taking a long break. While we do encourage short breaks from therapy, we recognise how important it is to a child’s development and academic attainments to have continuous support with their language disorder.