Cameron Square lit purple for DLD awareness
Cameron Square was lit purple last Friday to raise awareness for Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), writes Richard Mason.
It was an initiative by the Highland Council’s speech and language therapists to raise awareness of DLD in the local area, joining displays all over the world.
Cameron Square was part of the global campaign, alongside the likes of the CN Tower in Canada, Niagara Falls in the USA and the Perth Sky Ribbon Bridge in Australia.
Crystelle Mountford is a specialist speech and language therapist with Highland Council. She said: ‘While it can be a hidden but common disability among children and adults, many people have never heard of the condition.
‘We are trying to raise the profile of DLD, which refers to difficulties learning language. This includes speaking and understanding. It also involves reading and writing.
‘DLD can have other effects on development, including social skills and emotional wellbeing. Without recognition and support, the impacts of DLD can last into adulthood by increasing the risk of unemployment and reducing the opportunity to be independent.’
A child with DLD described it as a difficulty in talking and understanding words and it can sometimes feel like people are speaking a different language.
The child said: ‘You really, really want to say something and it just stops. Your brain has just gone – is that the word, no it’s not, is it this one, no it’s not. It’s picking out those different things. I just want it to teleport to the other person’s head so they know what it means and they get what I’m trying to say to them as quickly as I can.’
To help your child with their communication skills, call Just Ask on 07785 477868 (Tuesday 2-5pm) or the local speech and language therapy service on 01397 709856. Referrals are not necessary, just telephone.