Council to shine light on hidden disability

DEVELOPMENTAL language disorder (DLD) is a hidden disability that affects one in fourteen children, that’s two pupils in the average classroom.

It means children have significant, on-going difficulties understanding and/or using spoken language.

A child with DLD may also have a speech disorder affecting speech sounds, however it is not caused by other conditions such as hearing loss, physical impairment, autism or severe learning difficulties, making it an often hidden disability.

Rochdale Borough Council’s talk to learn team of specialist education professionals and speech and language therapists work intensively with young children who have developmental speech and language disorders, like DLD. They aim to raise awareness of DLD and make those with a hidden disability visible.

Councillor Kieran Heakin, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “The work of the team is vital to children suffering with DLD and a great support to their families.”

As DLD is a hidden disability some common indicators are:

Struggle to understand words

Struggle to explain themselves

Struggle to tell their story

Struggle to problem solve Struggle to chat Struggle to listen May often use wrong word at the wrong time

When provided with high quality support and understanding from the team, a child with DLD can achieve social, academic and professional success.

If your child could benefit from the work of the team then you can speak to the special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) at your child’s school or you can contact our team on: rans/epsadmin@rochdale. gov.uk or: 01706 926400.