This series of online learning modules is designed for professionals who have some understanding of Developmental Language Disorder, but who wish to develop greater insight and skill with diagnosing the condition.
This is NOT designed as a guide for self-diagnosis.
If you or a family member potentially has Developmental Language Disorder, please contact your local NHS Speech and Language Therapy service (UK) or internationally contact your national Speech-Language Pathology association.
At this point the modules are limited to children and young people. Diagnosing DLD in adults is a growing field, so we hope one day to add further modules about diagnosing DLD in adults.
The modules are designed to be studied in small groups, as each one includes discussion tasks. They are accessible to individuals, but sole practitioners are strongly encouraged to use their networks to find a ‘study buddy’ or group. A group of colleagues will have the benefit of changing work policies and practice.
The presentations all relate to a UK context, and from time to time include UK-specific terminology. The essence of the presentations is likely to be applicable internationally.
They are designed to offer practical applications of the current evidence base. Viewers are advised to reflect upon the content and apply it within their context using clinical judgement. The content reflects the expert clinician and academics opinions and are not designed to be a definitive guide.
To learn more about DLD generally go to naplic.org.uk/dld. Join in the discussion via NAPLIC’s Twitter or Facebook accounts.
View (and review) the videos with colleagues. If you work in a small team or sole practitioner then set a virtual meeting and view together.
Spend extra time after each module to reflect upon how this applies to your service.
After watching several or all, use the ‘application to practice guide’ to reflect and plan.
Join NAPLIC for further learning opportunities. NAPLIC will use all funds to promote learning about DLD.
It is not essential, but it is useful to be familiar with the CATALISE paper and Susan Ebbels’s 2020 presentation for RCSLT/NAPLIC.
Bishop, D.V., Snowling, M.J., Thompson, P.A., Greenhalgh, T. and (2017), Phase 2 of CATALISE: a multinational and multidisciplinary Delphi consensus study of problems with language development: Terminology. J Child Psychol Psychiatr, 58: 1068-1080. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12721
Susan Ebbels’s RCSLT/NAPLIC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0Piu-o9fJ0
Presented by Professor Courtenay Norbury from UCL and Stephen Parsons, former Chair NAPLIC.
This video is a brief introduction to the series discussing the motivations for diagnosis, overcoming practical issues and how to use these online learning resources.
Presented by Rosie Bowness-Clarke from Ealing Speech and Language Therapy Services and Dr Hannah Harvey from Birmingham City University.
Including:
Presented by Gill Earl, Speech and Language Therapist from Edinburgh and Nazia Rizwan, Speech and Language Therapist from Oxleas.
This module covers:
This module includes the video plus written case study and references.
Presented by Becky Clark, Head Speech & Language Therapist at ClarkSLT and RADLD Campaign Co-Founder and Cheryl Dyer, Deputy Lead Specialist Teacher for Inclusive Practice for Surrey County Council. Developed in conjunction with Hannah Waine, PhD Candidate, Plymouth Marjon University.
This comprehensive module includes
The module is accompanied by a number of resources including copies of the slides and the materials required for the practical activities.
Presented by Anna Sowerbutts, Speech and Language Therapist from Hackney and Dr Catherine Adams, University of Manchester.
This comprehensive module covers:
This module is accompanied by a series of written practical exercises and resources including module aims, key points, tasks and an application to practice guide.
Presented by Professor Courtenay Norbury from UCL and Ruth Wallace, Speech and Language Therapist from Fife in Scotland. Developed with support from Mary-Jo Spearey, Specialist teacher from Torfaen in Wales.
This comprehensive module covers:
There are two separate videos on this topic. Viewers are advised to watch them in one sitting as they address different aspects of this topic. There is some crossover as they are both outlining best practice and policy.
Video 6a: Carolyn Gelenter, Specialist Teacher from Westminster and Marie Newton, Speech and Language Therapist from Brighton and Hove.
Carolyn and Marie view this topic from a functional, educational perspective with a focus on joint practice.
Video 6b: Dr Sean Pert, Senior Lecturer in Speech and Language Therapy, University of Manchester
In particular Sean emphasises working with families and also covers aspects of intervention.
With your feedback we can make this project even better.
We would appreciate you spending a few moments competing this form.
SEND White Paper response – NAPLIC Members we need you!
Published 15th April, 2026
NAPLIC’s – SEND White Paper Response
Published 21st March, 2026
Thank you to all our NAPLIC members
Published 14th December, 2025
NAPLIC’s 2026 conference: DLD: Research, Practice and Lived Experience took place on Saturday 9th May at the Studio, Birmingham
Already a member? Login now
