THURSDAY, 15 OCTOBER, 2026

NHS Tayside supports Developmental Language Disorder Day

NHS Tayside is supporting Developmental Language Disorder Day which is on Friday 16 October by helping raise awareness of a hidden but common lifelong disability which affects around 1 in 14 people.

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) affects a person's ability to learn, understand and use language, despite no obvious reason for these difficulties. DLD is often invisible, many children, young people and adults face challenges that can go unrecognised in education, employment and everyday life.

On Friday 16 October, iconic landmarks across the world will light up in purple and yellow to help shine a spotlight on the condition and improve public understanding. In Tayside, both the Caird Hall in Dundee and Perth Bridge will be illuminated, joining more than 100 landmarks worldwide in a growing international movement to make the invisible visible.

DLD can lead to difficulties with understanding and using language, following instructions, finding the right words, participating in conversations and expressing thoughts and ideas clearly. Children and young people with DLD may also find it difficult to tell stories, explain experiences or keep up with classroom learning.

The condition can affect educational attainment and long-term opportunities, with individuals with DLD at increased risk of difficulties with reading, writing and maths. They are also more likely to experience challenges with their mental health and wellbeing.

Lindsay Clarke, Speech and Language Therapist, NHS Tayside, said: "Developmental Language Disorder is a common but often unrecognised condition that can have a significant impact on communication, learning, relationships and wellbeing throughout a person's life.

"Raising awareness of DLD helps people to better understand the challenges that children, young people and adults may experience. Early identification and appropriate support can make a real difference, helping individuals develop their communication skills and participate more fully in education, work and everyday life.

"DLD Day provides an important opportunity to highlight the role that speech and language therapists, alongside families, education staff and employers, can play in supporting people with DLD to achieve their potential. We are also grateful to Leisure & Culture Dundee and Perth & Kinross Council for supporting this year's campaign by illuminating the Caird Hall and Perth Bridge, helping to raise awareness of DLD across our communities and make this hidden disability more visible."

Speech and language therapists are the only professionals who can formally diagnose DLD. Through assessment and ongoing support, they help individuals and families understand their strengths and areas of difficulty, while providing practical strategies to support communication and participation in everyday life.

Anyone with concerns about their child's language development can contact the NHS Tayside Speech and Language Therapy Advice Line on 01382 740317 on Tuesdays from 9.30am to 11.30am or Thursdays from 2pm to 4pm.

For more information about Developmental Language Disorder visit www.RADLD.org.

Contact:

Anna Michie

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138