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Supporting Children and Young People with Developmental Language Disorder


Did you know that Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) affects at least 7.5% of all children and young people in the UK? That’s two children in every average class of 30.

DLD is a diagnosis given to children and young people who have life-long difficulties with language that are not associated with other biomedical conditions, such as cerebral palsy, or autistic spectrum disorders.

For students affected by DLD, it can have a significant impact on their attainment at school, employment outcomes and social and emotional wellbeing. Many children and young people with DLD are not identified, meaning that they are not getting access to the support they need.

Developed in partnership with nasen and Whole School SEND, and funded by the Department of Education, the ICAN DLD guide will give school-based professionals guidance on how to identify and support children with DLD in mainstream primary and secondary schools.

In addition, ICAN have created some free webinars on DLD for staff in Early Years, Primary and Secondary Schools.


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