Developmental language disorder
Last updated
Developmental language disorder is a lasting difficulty learning and using spoken language that is not explained by hearing loss or another condition.
Topic: Disability categories and conditions
In plain terms
Students with DLD may have trouble with vocabulary, grammar, following directions, telling stories or understanding long sentences. It is common, often missed, and can affect reading comprehension and writing as the language load of school increases. DLD is a lifelong condition, but support helps students build strong strategies.
How it shows up in an IEP
Students with DLD usually qualify under speech or language impairment, sometimes with a learning disability. Goals target vocabulary, syntax, narrative language and comprehension, measured through probes and language samples.
Example
A second grader with DLD retells stories with few details and missing verb endings. A goal targets retelling with character, setting, problem and solution, scored with a story grammar checklist.
Related terms
- Speech or language impairmentSpeech or language impairment is an IDEA category for communication disorders, such as stuttering or language disorders, that affect learning.
- Receptive languageReceptive language is the ability to understand language: words, sentences, directions, questions and stories.
- Expressive languageExpressive language is the ability to put thoughts into words and sentences to communicate, through speech, sign, writing or AAC.
- Narrative languageNarrative language is the ability to tell or retell stories and events in an organized way, with characters, setting, problem and resolution.
- SyntaxSyntax is the set of rules for combining words into phrases and sentences, including word order and sentence structure.
On IEP Atlas
- Expressive Language IEP goals
- Receptive Language IEP goals
- Narrative Language & Retelling IEP goals
- IEP goals for speech or language impairment
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