Από την έναρξή της το 2017, η Ημέρα Ευαισθητοποίησης για την Αναπτυξιακή Γλωσσική Διαταραχή (#DLDday) έχει εξελιχθεί σε παγκόσμιο κίνημα. Κάθε χρόνο γίνεται όλο και μεγαλύτερο και καλύτερο χάρη στην υποστήριξη οικογενειών, σχολείων και επαγγελματιών από όλο τον κόσμο.

Developmental Language Disorder is a condition that makes it hard for children and young people to learn, understand, and use spoken language. These challenges aren’t due to hearing problems or intellectual disability, and they usually continue into adulthood. Around one in 14 children are affected, meaning that in a typical classroom, there are likely to be at least two students with DLD. Although it is more common than autism, it often goes unrecognised and misunderstood.

DLD can affect many areas of life. Children may find it harder to follow instructions, tell stories, learn new words, or keep up with conversations. Over time, these difficulties can impact reading, writing, friendships, and confidence at school. Because the signs are not always obvious, children with DLD are sometimes mistaken for being inattentive, shy, or simply “behind” their peers, when in fact they need targeted language support.

Key DLD Facts:

• It’s a hidden condition: Many children with DLD mask their difficulties, which means their struggles can easily be overlooked.
• It often co-occurs with other conditions: DLD can appear alongside ADHD, dyslexia, or speech sound difficulties, making identification at times more complex.
• It affects wellbeing: Without support, children with DLD are more likely to experience anxiety, low self-esteem, and social difficulties.
• It’s lifelong: DLD doesn’t disappear at graduation. It can shape education, career paths, and relationships.
• It has a genetic link: Research shows DLD can run in families, which helps explain why it often appears across generations.

The good news: With the right teaching strategies, speech and language therapy, and awareness from those around them, children and young people with DLD can thrive. Raising awareness is powerful. The more families, educators, and communities understand DLD, the better equipped they are to support every child’s learning journey.

As a society, deepening our understanding of DLD helps us connect more meaningfully with children and young people who experience it. When we build awareness, we break down barriers and create spaces where every student feels they truly belong. That’s what inclusion looks like.

It’s at the heart of what Language Disorder Australia stands for: 
Understand · Connect · Belong.