Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and Specific Language Impairment (SLI)

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture slides covering the definition, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment targets of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)

A common neurodevelopmental communication disorder that interferes with learning, understanding, and using language, which persists into adulthood and is not explained by hearing loss, autism, or other extenuating circumstances.

Specific Language Impairment (SLI)

A diagnostic label encompassed within DLD defined as a language impairment occurring with the apparent absence of other clearly identifiable problems.

Prevalence of DLD

Affects 1 in 14 children in Kindergarten, which is approximately 7% of the population.

Diagnosis Age Threshold for DLD

A late talker who has reduced expressive and/or receptive language will likely receive a diagnosis of DLD (or SLI) after the age of 3.

Etiology of DLD

A neurodevelopmental disorder caused by complex interactions between genes and the environment that change brain development, tending to run in families.

Hidden Disability

A term describing DLD because its physical appearance is invisible, causing many children with DLD to go unidentified in school.

Younger Children Symptoms of DLD

Late putting words together into sentences, delayed vocabulary and sentence production, difficulties engaging in conversation, difficulties following directions (receptive language), and grammatical errors.

Older Children and Adult Symptoms of DLD

Limited use of complex sentences, difficulty finding words, difficulty understanding figurative language, disorganized storytelling and writing, frequent grammatical and spelling errors, and difficulties answering questions.

Iceberg Analogy in DLD

The concept that observable behavior (avoiding interactions, acting out, not following directions) is driven by underlying language symptoms of DLD beneath the surface.

DLD Diagnostic Assessment

A diagnostic process conducted by a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) involving observation, parent/teacher interviews and questionnaires, and assessments of the child's learning ability and language performance.

DLD and Learning Disability Ratios

By adulthood, individuals with DLD are six times more likely to be diagnosed with reading and spelling disabilities and four times more likely to be diagnosed with math disabilities than those without DLD.

Treatment Targets for Younger Children

Acquiring missing elements of grammar, building receptive and expressive vocabulary, and improving social communication skills (Form/Content/Use).

Treatment Targets for School-Aged Children

Following directions, building receptive/expressive vocabulary and classroom-based semantics, organizing information, and improving speaking, reading, and writing skills.

Treatment Targets for Adults

Learning technical vocabulary, improving workplace writing skills, strategizing organizational skills, and navigating social interactions.