DLD in Teens

Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a long-term disorder whose effects do not disappear over time: they still manifest themselves in adolescence and persist into adulthood. However, the signs observed may change. Indeed, although language continues to develop throughout life, the gap between the affected person and his peers of the same age generally remains present.

The difficulties are therefore not always the same as in early childhood or during the school years, but they are transformed with the growing demands of school, social and professional life. Here are some examples of common difficulties:

In understanding:

  • Difficulty grasping abstract concepts such as time, space, or discipline-specific jargon (e.g., terms related to geometric figures or mathematics, resulting in problem-solving difficulties);
  • Requires repetitive, simplified explanations or practical demonstrations to understand a new task;
  • Struggles to integrate all aspects of a long or complex education, and frequently requests clarification of abstract vocabulary;
  • Finds it difficult to decipher non-literal language, including idioms, metaphors, sarcasm, irony, humour and body language, interpreting words literally;

In his expression:

  • Searches for words, opts for vague vocabulary and takes descriptive detours to make themselves understood;
  • Communicates using similar but incorrect terms, or words from the same family but with different meanings;
  • Expresses himself with a restricted, colloquial and concrete vocabulary;
  • Forms simple sentences with subtle structural errors and may lack accuracy in the use of pronouns or verb tenses.

Social participation:

  • Intervenes little in conversational exchanges and may seem disinterested or socially uncomfortable, and may be perceived as shy or introverted.
  • Struggles to organize ideas for narrating, omits key information, and attaches importance to minor details.
  • Has difficulty arguing, negotiating, persuading or explaining.

In general:

  • Easily forgets what he has learned, showing an unreliable memory;
  • Faces significant cognitive fatigue due to the effort required to keep up with the pace of learning;
  • Have problems with reading comprehension, especially with long texts, on unfamiliar topics, or when implicit content is important;

As young people are exposed to increasingly complex demands in their environment,
they will face many challenges.

Difficulties in daily life

  • Make friends and maintain quality friendships.
  • Develop a romantic relationship.
  • Tendency to isolate oneself.
  • Intimidation, rejection.
  • Financial management.
  • Autonomy (independence).
  • Difficulty obtaining a driver’s license.
  • Accessing and maintaining employment.
  • Lower socio-economic status.
Groupe de jeunes assis ensemble, souriant.
Adolescente devant coucher de soleil à la plage.

Emotional difficulties

  • Low sense of self-efficacy.
  • Low self-esteem.
  • More at risk of anxiety and depression.
  • Fear of judgment.

Building on the strengths and skills acquired in adolescence

With several years of accompaniment and learning support, adolescents living with DLD come to use various very effective strategies to take their place in society. Aware of their difference, they learn to talk about it to others and identify their strengths and particularities that distinguish them positively. Especially:

  • non-verbal intelligence preserved;
  • desire to learn new things;
  • desire to communicate;
  • desire to integrate into the group;
  • sensitivity to one’s own difficulties;
  • great perseverance;
  • increased sensitivity to visual cues to understand;
  • Exemplary motivation to achieve objectives.
Enfant et adulte discutant autour d'une table basse.

Pursue post-secondary education

To undertake post-secondary education, students can benefit from the SAIDE, which is offered at all colleges. The Student Integration Assistance Service (SAIDE) stems from the Integration Policy developed by the Office des personnes handicapées du Québec. This service provides a framework for the measures put in place to allow people with a significant functional limitation to continue their college career in equitable conditions, on the same basis as other students.

For your DLD to be officially recognized, it must be confirmed by a diagnosis made by a licensed professional, in accordance with the Professional Code or a specific professional law.

Assistance can take a variety of forms depending on the needs:

  • Extra time for exams;
  • Audiobook copy;
  • Isolated room;
  • Adapted schedule;
  • Note-taker;
  • Adapted locker;
  • Physical accompaniment in class;
  • Handling Assistance;
  • Loans of computers, electronic dictionaries and dictaphones;
  • Access to specialized software and a computer room.
Garçon assis sur marches, utilisant un smartphone.