Most of the Time, We Honestly Had No Idea What She Was Trying to Say
One of my 11-year-old twin daughters has Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). When she was little, she used to say words that didn’t exist — words like:
“Qui Lack”
“Nori-Galar”
“Mar-Ras”
“Serenkye”
“Gein Put”
She knew exactly what she wanted to communicate, but the words just wouldn’t come. Often, we’d watch her scrabbling for language that wasn’t there, trying desperately to make herself understood. And sometimes, there was nothing we could do to help. Those moments were heartbreaking.
When Language Isn’t Enough
One of the things my daughter used to do was flight. She would get into situations where she couldn’t explain how she was feeling or what she wanted. Well-meaning people would try to help, asking more questions, which often made her even more overwhelmed. The result? She would run.
There were many occasions when we would find her hiding behind a garage or shed, and once even in a tyre. It’s completely understandable — we can all relate to feeling overwhelmed and wanting to get away. What is more difficult to relate to is the feeling of not being able to communicate, especially when the person seems to be able to talk clearly. This disconnect is at the heart of what makes DLD so challenging, not just for the child, but for parents, carers, and educators trying to support them.
Understanding DLD
DLD affects at least two children in every class of 30. It is a common, lifelong condition, yet still something that far too few people understand. It impacts a child’s ability to express themselves clearly, follow instructions, or understand complex language — and this can make school, social situations, and even everyday family interactions challenging.
Children with DLD may use invented words, jumble sounds, or struggle with grammar and sentence structure. For parents, teachers, and carers, it can feel like trying to tune into a radio station that’s just a little off frequency — and even small improvements in understanding can make a huge difference.
Why This Conversation Matters
This is why the discussion in A SIP of Sunshine S2E10 felt so important to me. I sat down with Hannah, Jenna, Lauren, and Anna to talk about:
What happens when families first receive a DLD diagnosis
How small, thoughtful adjustments at home and in school can help children feel more understood
Practical strategies for helping children navigate language challenges without feeling overwhelmed
The key takeaway isn’t about finding a “big solution.” It’s about being human: offering clear language, empathy, and support. It’s about helping families take small steps that make the early years a little less daunting.
Supporting Children with DLD
Supporting a child with DLD requires patience, understanding, and creativity. Some practical strategies include:
Giving children extra processing time to respond
Repeating or rephrasing instructions using simple, clear language
Encouraging alternative forms of communication, such as gestures, drawings, or visual aids
Celebrating attempts at communication, even when words are invented or mixed up
By approaching DLD with empathy and curiosity, we can help children feel heard and understood — and help families find their footing during those early, challenging days.
Join the Conversation
If you’ve walked this path — as a parent, teacher, or professional — your perspective is invaluable. Listening to lived experiences, sharing insights, and exploring strategies together is what helps families and children thrive.
🎧 Listen to A SIP of Sunshine S2E10: Understanding DLD — Diagnosis, Lived Experience & What Families Need on the Sunshine Academy or YouTube. (Link below)
