We want to hear from people with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and their families. Teachers, speech and language therapists/speech language pathologists and other professionals can join in too. We are hoping to gather true stories from many different perspectives, so people from all over the world understand the lived experience of DLD. We appreciate stories from all around the world, and in lots of different languages. We will upload your stories to our website and share on social media to spread the word.
This story is about you, so make it personal. The information here is only for guidance.
Make the story short; one to three paragraphs is perfect.
You may use one or more of the story themes below or select your own.
Theme 1: How DLD affects you
Ideas: If you are a person with DLD, tell us about yourself – what makes you unique, what are you good at, what do you like to do? What sorts of challenges with language do you have? How have these challenges changed throughout your life? Explain how DLD makes you feel. Were there any particular memories / moments / people which made you feel helpless, confused or frustrated? On the flip side, what were your happiest memories / moments? What has supported you to get to where you are today? What are your hopes for the future?
This is your story, so make it about you. If you say ‘I am good at telling jokes’, then tell a short joke. If you say ‘I really like art’ then you might also submit a photo of one of your art pieces. Make it fun and use your imagination!
Theme 2: How DLD affects your family
Ideas: If you are a parent, grandparent or other family member of a person who has DLD, you might write about your relationship – what is your relationship? What makes that person unique? What is your family member good at? When did you realise your family member had some challenges? Did you receive support? Has it been easy to get the support your family member needs? What has been the impact on the life of you and your family? What are your hopes for the future?
Theme 3: Why did you choose to share your story?
Ideas: How did you come to be involved with Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (RADLD)? What would you say to others who are yet to learn about Developmental Language Disorder? What advice do you have for people who have DLD and their families? What are your hopes for the future in regards to raising awareness of people with Developmental Language Disorder?
Internet safety
For under 18 year olds: please make sure that you have your parent or guardian’s consent to share your story. It might be fun to write your story with them first. Use your first name and country where you live, but do not write anything more that might identify you. Don’t write your last name, your address or school. If anyone contacts you as a result of your post, do not respond until you have talked it through with your parent or guardian. Never agree to meet anyone in person who you meet online. Further information about online safety is available at: www.internetmatters.org/advice/online-safety-guide
Different languages
There are people with DLD in every country of the world, and so we want to hear from people all over the world. Write in your language of choice. State what language you are using, and perhaps add your country’s flag to make it very clear.
Submission
By submitting, you are giving us approval to post your story and any visuals that accompany your story. Again, be sure to seek your parents’ approval for submission if you are under 18.