Not just language: DLD also struggle with motor skills and body awareness

What is it about?

Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) are known to have difficulties learning and using language. We tested 54 children aged 6-12 (27 with DLD, 27 typically developing) and found that children with DLD also have significant motor coordination problems and reduced precision in sensing where their limbs are positioned in space. Specifically, 78% scored below the 5th percentile on motor assessments, and their wrist position sense was significantly more variable than their peers. These findings show that DLD affects not only language but also movement control and body awareness, suggesting children with DLD need comprehensive assessment and support addressing multiple developmental domains.

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Photo by Baljinnyam Munkhgerel on Unsplash

Photo by Baljinnyam Munkhgerel on Unsplash

Why is it important?

We demonstrate that developmental language disorder extends beyond language difficulties to affect motor coordination and body awareness. For clinicians and educators, this means assessment of children with DLD should include evaluation of motor skills and proprioception, not just language abilities, leading to more comprehensive intervention strategies. For families, understanding these additional challenges helps explain why children with DLD may struggle with everyday physical activities like writing or sports. Scientifically, this study provides the first evidence of upper limb proprioceptive deficits in children with DLD and reveals that motor and sensory impairments may represent independent neurological mechanisms, opening new directions for understanding and treating this complex disorder.