International Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) Awareness Day is on Friday the 19 th October

2018. Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is the new term to replace Specific Language
Impairment (SLI) and is diagnosed when children fail to acquire their own language for no obvious
reason. This results in children having difficulty understanding what is said to them and struggling to
articulate their ideas and feelings. Recent research has shown that on average 2 children in every
class of 30 will experience DLD severe enough to affect their academic progress and impact
negatively on their social communication and emotional development.

This is only the second International Raising Awareness of DLD (#RADLD) Day and last year the
theme “DLD 123” highlighted some key facts about Developmental Language Disorder:

1. DLD is a difficulty with speaking and/or listening

2. It is hidden but common

3. Support can help to improve the quality of life of children with DLD and their families

So now that you have had a quick tour of last year’s campaign, we would love you to come visit our
RADLD campaign display which includes some lovely drawings from children in our school with DLD
to illustrate this year’s theme the “ABCs of DLD”..... Interested in finding out some new hidden
meanings behind A.B.C.? Then pop in this Friday morning to add some new ideas to your ABCs! 