Supporting your child with DLD
You are the expert in your child, and no-one knows them quite like you do. You are an invaluable resource for advocating for them, helping them and ensuring others understand their strengths and needs. Here are a few ideas to support you in this; please do contact us to share what you have found useful with other parents or carers.
Knowledge is
power
Knowledge is power
To find out more about DLD, we recommend these excellent websites:
You can also download our parent leaflet here. This has information about DLD and ways to support your child.
Spread
the
word
Spread the word
The more people understand DLD, the easier it will be for individuals to get the support and acceptance they need. Start by telling other family members- you could use the RADLD videos to help you with this. If your child's school aren't aware of DLD, ask to meet them to discuss it. Afasic could support you to communicate effectively with school and local authorities to get the right support for your child. You could also become a RADLD Ambassador.
Talk
to your
child
Talk to your child
Parents sometimes worry that talking openly about things their child finds difficult will upset them. In our experience, children are often aware that they are somehow 'different' to others, but don't feel they can talk about it because no-one else does. By talking about language difficulties in a relaxed way, you can support your child to ask for help when they need it. DLD And Me can support you to introduce what DLD is sensitively to your child.
You
are not
alone
You are not alone
Being a parent of a child with DLD can
be a stressful experience, particularly if you aren't in touch with other parents in the same position. We recommend you try reaching out: you could join the Facebook group, connect on Twitter using the hashtag #devlangdis, contact your local parent/carer forum or speak to Afasic - a charity supporting parents of children with communication needs.