“It’s wishy-washy [...] You are getting this diagnosis because we’ve ruled out everything else:” Developmental language disorder (DLD) diagnosis in the Republic of Ireland: A qualitative exploration of the perspectives of parents and clinicians

What is it about?

Our study looked at how parents and clinicians in Ireland experience the process of receiving and diagnosing Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Clinicians described major problems in the healthcare system, including long waitlists, limited resources, and high staff turnover, that make diagnosing DLD difficult. They also feared making the “wrong” diagnosis. Parents often felt confused, unsupported, and left to explain DLD to their children themselves, despite having a poor understanding of it themselves. This research highlights a clear need for better communication, more public and professional awareness, and stronger support for families and clinicians. Timely and clear DLD diagnoses will help parents feel more confident and ensure children get the support they need. With growing awareness of the co-occurrence of neurodevelopmental conditions, it’s urgent that clinicians receive better training and guidance to navigate the changing criteria for diagnosing DLD.

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Why is it important?

Our research adds to the growing scholarship on Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). In comparison to other neurodevelopmental differences (for example, Autism or Dyslexia), research on DLD is underdeveloped. We show that delays in diagnosing DLD in Ireland are caused by problems in the healthcare system and a lack of support for professionals. It is important to give clinicians more training and confidence in this area so the children and young people with DLD can receive timely support. We also call for increased public awareness and the development of parent support networks to support children and young people with DLD in Ireland.