Top tips on how to help a child or young person with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD):
Get the students attention – Get down to their level, say their name and be face to face. Remember students with DLD are more likely to need learning breaks.
Reduce your Language – use short simple sentences. Say things in the order they need to be done. Slow your talking down to allow for processing time.
Show them – Use visual supports such as pictures, signs and demonstrations.
Summarise – After you have given your input to the class summarise what you have said.
Link words – Students with DLD don’t learn new words easily. Link new or harder words to simpler ones.
Comment rather than question – Asking lots of questions can be difficult and pressurising. Comment on what they are doing.
Check understanding – Check the student understands what has been asked of them.
Don’t assume – Many children with DLD have associated literacy difficulties that are likely to be impacting on self-esteem and learning engagement. Don’t assume that they will able to read or write without support.