Developmental Language Disorder Awareness Day is observed on a Friday during the third week of October, aiming to shed light on a hidden yet prevalent disability affecting 1 in every 14 people worldwide.

Developmental Language Disorder, commonly referred to as DLD, is essentially a condition rooted in brain differences that hinder children’s ability to speak and comprehend language effectively. It’s estimated that, on average, two children in a standard-sized classroom are affected by DLD, which can pose significant learning challenges. Raising awareness about this condition is pivotal, making it a day of utmost importance for all of us to observe.

The History of Developmental Language Disorder Awareness Day

Developmental Language Disorder Awareness Day was established in 2017 with the primary goal of increasing awareness about DLD. This observance was launched shortly after the introduction of the new terminology, “Developmental Language Disorder.”

Today, it is celebrated in 40 different countries across the globe, and this list continues to expand each year. For comprehensive and up-to-date information about this holiday, we encourage everyone to visit radld.org and consider becoming an ambassador for this cause.

Facts About DLD

To support the mission of raising awareness about DLD, we’ve compiled crucial facts obtained from DLD experts to share with everyone:

• DLD makes it challenging to understand words, respond to questions, and follow instructions.
• Children with DLD encounter difficulties in finding the right words to articulate their ideas.
• Individuals with DLD struggle with engaging in conversations, narrating stories, or sequencing words correctly.
• Children with DLD are four times more likely to experience math disabilities and six times more likely to grapple with reading disabilities.
• DLD affects individuals’ lives universally, regardless of language or nationality.
• Speaking multiple languages does not induce DLD.
• While a genetic component is theorized, there is no singular known cause for DLD.

Observing Developmental Language Disorder Awareness Day

This significant holiday is celebrated annually in 40 countries. Over 80 landmarks worldwide illuminate in purple and yellow in honor of this occasion. The hashtags #DevelopmentalLanguageDisorderAwarenessDay and #DLDAwarenessDay flood social media, uniting people in their efforts to raise global awareness about DLD on this day.