Blog

Developmental Language Disorder is a diagnosis given when a person has difficulties with talking and /or understanding language. It can be missed, misdiagnosed or misinterpreted as poor behaviour, inattention or poor listening. It affects approximately two children in every classroom, impacting on literacy , learning, friendships and emotional well-being. Although this disorder is hidden, today across the world professionals, parents and families are shining a light and raising awareness to enable young people and adults to thrive in their social, emotional and academic lives. These professionals can make all the difference. People with DLD are no different to any other person but it is crucial to identify DLD so that people do not become isolated, or vulnerable to bullying. Communication is the foundation of human connection and this should not be restricted, limited or restrained. Keep an eye on @communicatetolearn on twitter to follow updates from across the world. Useful links www.radld.org www.communicatetolearn.org.uk www.ican.org.uk

The impact on Secondary schools In order to support young people with SLCN as they transition to secondary schools, there needs to be a raised awareness and improved understanding of SLCN amongst all staff. Schools should consider the impact of SLCN on the young person, particularly around the transition process. It works well to provide a communication friendly plan based around transition to support the young person. Schools also need to ensure a positive transition for those young people with unidentified SLCN or hidden needs and have the confidence to know what to look for to identify them.

Most of us can say that we have found this year mentally tough one way or another. The significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown restrictions on the learning of children has lead to teachers stating that their pupils have fallen behind in their curriculum learning. The learning gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers has therefore widened. Not only have children missed out on a lot of learning but they have also lost many opportunities for social interactions, impacting on connections with friends and family.  No longer do the normal routines of playdates, birthday parties, or hanging out together take place but now our young people are living in a socially distant world. Extra curricular activities such as swimming lessons and music lessons have been put on hold and so many activities that children find pleasure in have been taken away, having a knock-on effect on their mental health.