As a parent, discovering that your child has difficulties using or understanding language, or both, can bring about a range of emotions, from confusion to concern to a need for action. Perhaps your child has recently been diagnosed with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and you are uncertain where to go from there. The good news is, that with the right knowledge and strategies, there are ways you can support your child's language development effectively that can bring them lifelong success.
Here are some practical tips grounded in research and real-world experiences to help you navigate this journey.
Education and Understanding:
As the saying goes, knowledge is power! Educating yourself about DLD is paramount. While most people have heard of hearing impairments, autism, and dyslexia, DLD is still less well-known, even though it affects 1 in every 14 children.
Here are some excellent reputable and parent-friendly resources that I often consult to get you started:
Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (RADLD) https://radld.org/
The DLD Project https://thedldproject.com/
Podcast: The Talking DLD Project
These websites offer a wealth of information for DLD awareness, including pamphlets, workshops, activities, blogs, courses, among others.
Early Intervention
Time is of the essence when it comes to DLD. Early intervention is key. Speech-language pathologists typically begin diagnosing DLD in children around the age of 5. However, if you notice signs of language delay, such as late talking or hard to understand, seek help as soon as possible from a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist or medical doctor. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s language development, setting a strong foundation for their future.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Your home can be a nurturing hub for language growth. Engage your child in conversations throughout the day, asking open-ended questions like “Who?”, “What?”, “Where?”, “When?”, “Why?”, and “How?”. Talk about their interests, experiences, and feelings. Encourage them to express themselves, even if their language skills are limited. For example, during mealtime, ask, “What was your favourite part of today?” and follow up with more open-ended questions such as, “Why was that your favourite part of your day?” Listening actively to their responses helps them feel valued and promotes more meaningful conversations.
Other activities that support language development include reading together and incorporating language-rich activities into daily routines. Creating an environment where communication is encouraged helps build your child’s confidence and competence in using and understanding language.
Using Visual Aids
Visual aids are incredibly helpful for children with DLD. Tools like pictures, flashcards, and everyday objects can enhance your child’s understanding and communication. Integrate these supports into your daily routines to enrich your child’s linguistic environment and promote independent communication. For example, create a chore chart with pictures or symbols representing different tasks, such as "make the bed" or "put your toys away." Hang the chart in a visible location and refer to it when assigning chores to your child. After the chore has been completed, talk to your child about the chore and ask them about the steps they took to complete the chore. This visual support helps your child understand what is expected of them and promotes independence while embedded in language.
Provide Positive Reinforcement
Acknowledge and praise your child's efforts at communication and language development. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, and offer encouragement to keep them motivated.
Example:
If your child made a grammatical mistake, for instance, “I bring-ed my school bag” repeat what they said but with the correct grammar “You brought your school bag” in a positive and encouraging voice so they can hear the correct example.
When your child attempts to say a new word or a complete sentence, praise their effort with positive feedback like, "Great job trying to say that word!" or "I'm so proud of you for using your words." This positive reinforcement boosts your child's confidence and encourages them to continue speaking and trying.
Integrate Music and Rhymes
Use music, songs, and nursery rhymes to support language development. Music and rhythm can help with memory, pronunciation, and the acquisition of new vocabulary. Singing songs and reciting rhymes together can make learning language fun and engaging. If the child stumbles on a new word, play detectives and talk about the meaning together.
By staying informed and creating a supportive, language-rich environment, you can make a significant difference in your child's language development. Remember, you are your child’s best advocate, and with your support, they can reach their full potential.
Comments