Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)

Understanding Developmental Language Disorder, Education Support, Speech & Language Needs, SEND, EHCPs, Rights & Family Guidance

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a lifelong
neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child's ability to
understand and/or use spoken language. It is one of the most common childhood developmental conditions, affecting around 7–8% of
children (approximately two children in every classroom), yet many children remain undiagnosed or are misunderstood.

Children with DLD are often bright and capable but may struggle to understand instructions, express themselves, learn new vocabulary, participate in classroom discussions or build friendships. With the right support, they can make good progress and succeed in
education.

This guide explains DLD, school support, legal rights, evidence
standards, accountability and where families can get help.

1. What is Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?

Developmental Language Disorder is a persistent difficulty with understanding and/or using spoken language that is not explained by a lack of opportunity to learn a language. A diagnosis is usually made by a Speech and Language Therapist following a detailed assessment.

Children with DLD may find it difficult to:

Understand spoken instructions
Learn new words
Use correct grammar
Find the right words
Explain thoughts clearly
Follow conversations
Tell stories in sequence
Understand abstract language
Process spoken information
Remember verbal information

Every child with DLD is different.

2. Signs of DLD

Signs may include:

Early Years

Late talking
Limited vocabulary
Difficulty following instructions
Short sentences
Difficulty joining conversations
Frustration when communicating

Primary School

Difficulty understanding lessons
Struggling with reading comprehension
Limited vocabulary
Difficulty answering questions
Forgetting verbal instructions
Friendship difficulties

Secondary School

Difficulty understanding complex language
Problems organising written work
Limited confidence speaking
Anxiety in class discussions
Difficulty learning subject vocabulary
Reduced academic progress

Some children may also experience:

Low confidence
Anxiety
Behaviour linked to frustration
Social isolation

3. DLD and Learning

DLD affects language, not intelligence.

Children may understand concepts but struggle to:

Explain answers
Follow spoken instructions
Remember information
Learn new vocabulary
Understand classroom discussions
Express ideas clearly

This can affect learning across all curriculum subjects.

4. School Support

Schools should identify speech, language and communication needs early and provide appropriate support through the graduated Assess–Plan–Do–Review approach set out in the SEND Code of Practice.

Support may include:

SEN Support
Individual learning plans
Speech and language programmes
Small group language work
Visual supports
Vocabulary teaching
Communication-friendly classrooms
Teaching assistant support
Educational psychologist advice
Speech and Language Therapy input

A child does not always need a formal diagnosis before a school begins SEN Support if educational needs have been identified.

Useful resources:

5. Helpful Classroom Strategies

Children with DLD often benefit from:

Communication Support

Speaking clearly
Using shorter sentences
Giving one instruction at a time
Allowing extra processing time
Checking understanding

Visual Support

Visual timetables
Pictures and symbols
Written key words
Demonstrations
Colour coding

Learning Support

Pre-teaching new vocabulary
Repetition
Chunking tasks
Quiet learning environments
Small group work

Social Support

Supported conversations
Structured group work
Friendship support
Safe adults in school

Consistent strategies across the whole school can significantly improve outcomes.

6. Speech and Language Therapy

Some children may be referred to NHS Speech and Language Therapy (SLT).

Speech and Language Therapists may:

Assess communication
Diagnose DLD where appropriate
Recommend strategies
Deliver therapy
Advise schools
Support families

Parents can discuss concerns with:

Nursery
School SENCO
GP
Health visitor (younger children)
Local NHS Speech and Language Therapy service

7. DLD and SEND

Children with DLD often meet the definition of Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Support may include:

SEN Support
Communication plans
Reasonable adjustments
Specialist teaching
Speech and Language Therapy
Educational psychology input

Some children with significant or complex needs may require an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Useful resources:

Extra SEN Help (EHCP)

8. DLD and Mental Health

Children with DLD may be at increased risk of:

Anxiety
Low self-esteem
Social isolation
Bullying
Emotional distress

Schools should consider emotional wellbeing alongside educational support.

Useful resources:

9. Working with School

Parents and carers can help by:

Sharing information about communication needs
Attending review meetings
Keeping records
Asking for written support plans
Working with Speech and Language Therapists
Reviewing progress regularly

Questions to ask include:

What language difficulties have been identified?
What support is currently in place?
How is progress being measured?
Are visual supports being used?
Should outside professionals become involved?
Would an EHCP needs assessment be appropriate?

10. Bullying and Social Inclusion

Children with DLD may experience bullying or misunderstandings because of communication difficulties.

Schools should:

Prevent disability-related bullying
Promote inclusion
Support friendships
Respond promptly to concerns
Monitor emotional wellbeing

Parents should report bullying concerns in writing.

11. Legal Rights

Children with DLD may have rights under:

The Equality Act 2010
The Children and Families Act 2014
The SEND Code of Practice
The Human Rights Act 1998
Education legislation
Data protection legislation

These rights may include:

SEN Support
Reasonable adjustments (where DLD amounts to a disability under the Equality Act)
Protection from discrimination
Access to Speech and Language support where appropriate
EHCP assessment where legal criteria are met
Participation in decisions
Access to complaints and appeals

Useful resources:

12. Evidence Standards

Good evidence can help when requesting SEN Support, therapy, reasonable adjustments or an EHCP.

Useful evidence includes:

Teacher observations
School reports
SEN Support Plans
Speech and Language Therapy reports
Educational psychologist reports
Attendance records
Examples of school work
Parent diary
Emails
Meeting notes
Records of interventions tried

Evidence should explain:

Communication difficulties
Educational impact
Support already provided
Progress made
Remaining barriers
Support requested

Keep copies of all correspondence.

13. Accountability & Complaints

If concerns remain unresolved:

Step 1

Discuss concerns with:

Class teacher
SENCO
Headteacher

Step 2

Request written responses.

Step 3

Use the school's complaints procedure.

Step 4

Contact the local authority if appropriate.

Step 5

Appeal SEND decisions through the SEND Tribunal where applicable.

Step 6

Seek independent advice.

Useful organisations:

14. Advocacy & Independent Support

Families may find support from:

15. Quick Help Directory

Developmental Language Disorder

Speech and Language Support

Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

SEND & Education

Legal Rights

Independent Advice

Key Message

Developmental Language Disorder is a common but often overlooked lifelong communication difficulty. Children with DLD can succeed in education when their language needs are recognised early and appropriate support is put in place. Schools should identify needs promptly, provide effective SEN Support, involve Speech and Language Therapy where appropriate, make reasonable adjustments when required by law, and work in partnership with families. Parents and carers should keep clear records, ask questions, participate in reviews and seek independent advice if they believe their child is not receiving the support they need.