21/10/2025
🧠 DLD vs “Late Talkers”
📣 Not all language delays are the same!
It’s common for parents to hear, “They’ll grow out of it!” when their child isn’t talking much — and sometimes, that’s true. But Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is different from simply being a “late talker.”
Here’s the difference:
👶 Late Talkers
▪ Usually under age 3
▪ May have strong understanding but limited spoken words
▪ Often catch up by school age, especially with support
🧒 Children with DLD
▪ Have ongoing difficulty with both understanding and using language
▪ May struggle with grammar, storytelling, following instructions
▪ Challenges persist into school years and beyond without intervention
🔍 Why it matters:
DLD affects 1 in 14 children and is often invisible. Early identification and support from a speech pathologist can make a huge difference in learning, friendships, and confidence.
💜 If you're unsure, trust your gut. Early support is never wasted.
