Listed below is a curated collection of articles related to SLCN. It includes Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) items, although the DLD page has more specific information about that condition.
The articles listed here will give you a flavour but inclusion of an article is not an endorsement. The page will be updated regularly, but please contact us if links no longer work. Also let us know of items you think we should list. All items must be open access and from reputable sources. Contact details: naplic.chair@gmail.com
This study used data from the Millennium Cohort Study to investigate the relationship between language and emotional well being. Although those with DLD are at risk one finding is more hopeful and suggests ‘better relationships with peers may offer some protection against poor mental health outcomes in adolescents at risk of developmental language disorder.’
In this accessible blog post Professor Pamela Snow outlines the links between Developmental Language Disorder and behaviour
A thorough overview of the changes to Developmental Language Disorder terminology and criteria. Includes links to a range of open access articles.
A short summary by Susan Ebbels of the change in terminology. Includes a useful graphic to explain DLD.
The original article by Professor Dorothy Bishop and colleagues explaining the consensus process that agreed upon the term ‘Developmental Language Disorder’.
In 2018 Pip St John was awarded ‘Communication Champion’ in the UK-wide ‘Shine-a-Light’ awards. Pip was an apt winner as she truly was a champion of children’s communication.
Longitudinal study investigating hyperactivity and conduct issues in young people with DLD.
Study investigating anxiety and depression in young people and adults with Developmental Language Disorder. One of the very few studies investigating adults with this condition.
A good overview of Developmental Language Disorder originally written by professionals who know what they are talking about.
A slideshow prepared by Professor Dorothy Bishop discussing the connections between DLD and APD.
In this TES podcast Professor Courtenay Norbury from UCL (and NAPLIC Chair) discusses Developmental Language Disorder and its link to behaviour and learning
RCSLT have produced fact sheets, briefing papers, videos and infographics. Highly recommended for those who are new to DLD or who want concise information.
Professor Courtenay Norbury debunks the myths that surround Developmental Language Disorder.
Blog post by Professor Dorothy Bishop outlining the origins of the Raising Awareness of DLD (RADLD) campaign.
A brief video showing adults and children talking about Developmental Language Disorder. Part of the 2017 DLD123 camplaign, but useful to show to anyone who has never heard of this condition.
This new website from the USA for all things Developmental Language Disorder is primarily aimed at parents. Lots of the content is applicable worldwide, and contains videos as well as written material.
The CATALISE process agreed the new term ‘Developmental Language Disorder’ and associated criteria (Bishop et al 2017)
To support Speech and Language Therapy and specialist education services implement the recommendations NAPLIC has developed the ‘DLD friendly!’ scheme.
This is a simple self audit which outlines the general areas of service change. Once submitted and approved the ‘DLD friendly’ logo can then be added to letterheads, email signatures etc. The aim of the scheme is to support service development and share good practice.
In this brief video Professor Dorothy Bishop explains how consensus was achieved and the term ‘Developmental Language Disorder’ agreed upon.
A team from UCL discuss the role Educational Psychologists have to play in relation to speech, language and communication needs.
Susan Ebbels and colleagues outline the evidence base for each of the various ‘waves’ of intervention for DLD. Followed by discussion from academic and clinical perspectives.
The 2018 Shine a Light Award winners provide inspiration for how schools and individuals are supporting Speech, Language and Communication Needs.
Developmental Language Disorder is a lifelong condition that impacts on many aspects of people’s lives, and yet we know relatively little about those impacts, especially on adults. This study investigates the impact of DLD on young adults ability to manage their finances.
Provide free by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, this online learning tool is for all in the youth justice sector.
Mainstream press coverage of Developmental Language Disorder. Free to access, but readers need to register.
From Norway, a randomised control trial investigating teacher implemented intervention to develop understanding in children with DLD in mainstream schools.
Sally Morgan and Lucy Dipper from City, University of London discuss why the ‘pyramid model’ of language development is inadequate and new models are required.
Professor Courtenay Norbury summarising the content of the special Developmental Language Disorder issue of the Journal of Psychology and Psychiatry.
A video explaining all about Developmental Language Disorder, including simple strategies for support. Some of it relates to Kent specifically, but most content is applicable more widely
Professor Courtenay Norbury and colleagues look at the trajectory of language development using a large scale population study.
A video featuring students from Moor House School in Surrey talk openly about how DLD impacts on them.
This paper outlines the theoretical underpinnings of this promising series of studies from Finland that will follow Finnish children with DLD and their typically developing peers over a number of years in an effort to better understand DLD and its causes. Definitely one to watch.
A collection of useful resources including articles, blogs, videos and short talks.
Open access article investigating the likelihood of offending among young people with Developmental Language Disorder
A young person with Developmental Language Disorder talks about her condition. She uses a different term, but from her description it is the same as DLD.
Professor Dorothy Bishop and colleagues outline the international process that was conducted to agree upon the term Developmental Language Disorder.
A collection of journal articles from Pip St John
A teaching resource conceived and developed by Pip St John, and published in October 2016 under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial 4.0 Licence.
Pre-Teaching Vocabulary Manual (PDF File, 67MB, will download to your computer)
Pre-Teaching Vocabulary (PTV) is a vocabulary teaching methodology that uses symbols and pictures from Communicate in Print (or CIP, see http://www.widgit.com) on visual prompt cards to support teaching children how to learn new words.
The Raising Awareness of DLD Youtube channel. Accessible, engaging videos about DLD. It was originally called RALLI, and uses the term ‘SLI’ in the older videos, but is now about Developmental Language Disorder.
By Pip St John
Research Skills LfL Question Cards (DOC file, will download to your computer)
These cards contain questions which may be used by the adult and/or placed in the challenge area for children to work independently to extend their thinking about a story or an account whilst interacting with a text (fiction or non-fiction). Many teachers recognise that when children work with non-fiction texts they often do no more than simply copy passages from their reference source albeit a book/web page, with little evidence of learning. They will need to be altered according to the main text / story or account given to the children but could still provide a starting point for use in class.
Developed by Pip St John
Sentence Builders (PDF, will download to your computer)
Sentence builders are made for both fiction and non-fiction texts and can be a springboard for teachers to create their own. The sentence builders specifically aim to reduce the pressure on children to be able to create and construct their ideas into a written form without the worry of whether they can spell and/or recall any of the key words.
Sentence builders can support language development across the curriculum and provide and model a sentence frame on the whiteboard or a wall. Encourage learners to use the frame for speaking and in writing: e.g. to make predictions, offer cause effect statements, describe a process etc.
In this open access article Lisa Archibald explores teacher and Speech and Language Therapist/Pathologist colaboration
In July 2018 the UK Parliament held a Westminster Hall debate about the provision for children and young people with SLCN. In preparation for this a briefing paper was written. Very useful if you wish to know about the UK context.
This database covers a wide range of speech, language and communication conditions in both adults and children.
Parent friendly blog post providing simple strategies for supporting children with Developmental Language Disorder.
TES article providing an overview of developmental language disorder: ‘the most common special educational need you have never heard of.’ Explains DLD clearly and simply.
A database of evidence for interventions for children and young people with speech, langage and communication needs. Users are required to register, but it is free to use. A reliable source of information.
Video of lecture by Professor Dorothy Bishop outlining the change in terminology to Developmental Language Disorder, the rationale and the process.
Professor Courtenay Norbury used data from her large scale population study to generate incidence figures for Developmental Language Disorder and show that non verbal IQ does not impact on prognosis.
University of Oxford have produced this brief video explaining Developmental Language Disorder in simple terms.
From the Communication Trust a free tool for schools to use to map what how they support their students’ language development and guidance for developing an action plan.
Driver Youth Trust has written bullet points for teachers about identification and support of students with Developmental Language Disorder
Suzanne Adlof and Tiffany Hogan analyse how dyslexia and DLD are connected.
Speech and Language Therapist, Bryony Rust has made a succinct video explaining DLD. Suitable as an introduction. With bonus seaside scenery!
Parent friendly information about Developmental Language Disorder provided by Afasic. Includes links for support.
Professor Dorothy Bishop explaining the changes in terminology and clinical implications.
NAPLIC Spring 2022 Newsletter now available online
Published 11th April, 2022
Conference 2022 is back live and in person
Published 8th March, 2022
NAPLIC Autumn 2021 Newsletter now available online
Published 17th December, 2021
Join us on May 21st in Sheffield for a fantastic day of learning about Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). We continue the NAPLIC tradition of bringing you the very best in research and practice. This day is guaranteed to leave you inspired. Tickets are priced from £75 for in person attendance and £35 for livestream access.
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