Developmental Language Disorder Awareness Day~14th October 2022

Posted on October 10, 2022October 7, 2022 by Karen Humfress

Developmental Language Disorder is a hidden but common disability that affects 1 in 14 people causing difficulties understanding and using language for no known reason.

Developmental Language Disorder Day #DLDday, now in its sixth year, is celebrated annually around the world with more than 40 countries involved. The Children’s Speech and Language Therapy team at Homerton has joined the campaign to raise awareness of DLD. They will be holding information stalls for parents and staff in schools and colleges, and keep your eyes peeled for purple conkers hidden all around Hackney!

“As many as two children in every classroom are affected by DLD, but this condition is still under-recognised. We want all of Hackney to know about DLD so those affected can get the right support, and so we can work towards making Hackney a more communication-inclusive place,” said Anna Sowerbutts, Speech and Language Therapist.

There are lots of brilliant videos to learn more about DLD and what it is like to experience the world with DLD. Have a look at some of them here: https://youtu.be/MU1inVSISFo

or watch this video below, featuring a racing driver with DLD!

DLD Awareness Day – 15th October 2021

Posted on October 15, 2021October 14, 2021 by Karen Humfress

When and how did you use your communication skills today? Some of the things on my list are:

Buying a ticket at the station and working out how to get to a new school
Sending texts and emails
Talking to my family – sharing news and stories
Asking for help to reach something in the supermarket
Writing my shopping list and planning what we are eating this week
Sharing reports and information for the schools and families I work with

Helen Wilson Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist (DLD) and South Locality Manager

The list goes on …

Today is DLD Awareness Day, where Speech and Language Therapists all work to raise awareness of this little known condition.

DLD, or Developmental Language Disorder, affects around 14% of children, which is equivalent to about 2 children in every class of 30. It is a lifelong condition affecting children and young people’s understanding and ability to use language, and it can impact on lots of other areas of life, including mental health and wellbeing, their behaviour, their social interaction and their learning. But lots of people have never heard of it!

Speech and Language Therapy in Hackney work with children and young people with DLD, their families and other professionals such as school staff to support them both with their language and communication skills, and to make sure they develop the life skills they need, now and for adulthood.

Have a look at the video below to find out more about DLD and how you can support someone:

And if you know someone who finds it difficult to understand and use language, have a look at our DLD Leaflet for more information, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter, and speak to your Link SaLT (Speech and Language Therapist).

#ThinkLanguage

#ThinkDLD

DLD Awareness Day – 16th October 2020

Posted on October 15, 2020October 15, 2020 by Karen Humfress

by Anna Sowerbutts, Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in Hackney & The City

This Friday, 16^th October, marks International DLD Awareness Day, when our Speech and Language Therapists, along with those working with children and young people with DLD across the world, will be working to raise awareness of this little-known condition.

DLD – or Developmental Language Disorder – affects around 7% of children, which is around 2 children in every class of 30. DLD is a lifelong condition, affecting understanding and using language. Children and young people with DLD often have difficulties with literacy and learning, and it can also impact on their ability to form and maintain friendships and their emotional well-being.

As we’ve all been getting used to wearing masks this year, we wanted to make a film to highlight that DLD is a hidden condition, which not many people have heard about. Watch our film – ‘DLD Unmasked’ here.

Want to know more about DLD and how you can support the children and young people you work with? We are running CPD sessions for school and setting staff on DLD Awareness Day (Friday 16th October) at 1pm and 4pm. You can contact us to access the sessions live, or watch a recording here afterwards.

You can also find out more information about DLD by speaking to your Link SaLT or contacting us via the website