Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) in Children
Some children have a good grasp of individual words but struggle to put sentences together, follow instructions, or understand what’s said to them. This isn’t about sounds or pronunciation — it’s about the underlying system of language itself. This is called a developmental language disorder, or DLD.
DLD affects roughly 2 children in every classroom, yet it’s significantly under-identified — many are simply labelled ‘shy’ or ‘a slow learner’. Early identification and targeted therapy make a profound difference.
A thorough language assessment compares your child’s performance against age-based norms for vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and narrative skills.
From there, therapy is targeted and structured — vocabulary, grammar, narrative, or comprehension — with strategies you can use at home every day.
DLD can affect understanding, using language, or both. We assess and treat difficulties including:
DLD is a significant, persistent difficulty with understanding and/or using language that isn’t explained by another condition such as autism, hearing loss, or intellectual disability. It affects roughly 7–8% of children — about 2 in every classroom — and is significantly under-identified. Many children with DLD are assumed to be shy, inattentive, or slow learners rather than having a language difficulty.
A speech delay is primarily about the rate of language development — a child is progressing along a typical path, just more slowly. DLD is a persistent difficulty with the language system itself that doesn’t resolve with age the same way, and is likely to need targeted therapy and long-term monitoring, particularly into the school years when language demands increase significantly.
Yes — this is a very common presentation. The language demands at school (multi-step instructions, complex texts, group discussions) are far greater than a one-on-one home environment. A language assessment can determine whether this reflects DLD or another factor.
Yes. Language is the foundation of literacy — reading comprehension, written expression, and spelling all depend on strong language skills. Children with DLD often have reading comprehension difficulties even when their decoding is adequate. From Language therapy often has a direct and positive impact on literacy, particularly when started early.
No. You can contact The Bridge Effect directly to book a language assessment for your child. Call us at 9037 1163 or visit us at 7/185 Briens Rd, Northmead NSW. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer yourquestions, and help you book an initial consultation. Early support can make a big difference—and we’re here to walk this journey with you.
We invite you to learn more about how the The Bridge Effect can make a significant difference in your family’s life. Whether it’s about taking the first steps or continuing the journey, we’re here to support you every step.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin a new chapter in your child’s developmental story.
