Knockmore pupils go silent for DLD

Recently some of the pupils in Knockmore Primary School took part in a “Silent Snack” to raise awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Oct 2020, 12:05 BST

The children had to be creative and think of other ways to communicate instead of using spoken words.

They used Makaton signs, gestures, drawing, writing, and symbols to get their messages across. This helped them experience first-hand how difficult it can be to live with a communication difficulty every day. Simple things that we take for granted, such as communicating our needs, become very difficult.

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Did you know that 1 in 14 children have Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)? Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is when a child or adult has difficulties talking and/or understanding language. DLD is a hidden disability that affects approximately two children in every classroom; affecting literacy, learning, friendships, and emotional wellbeing. Support from professionals, including speech and language therapists and teachers, can make a real difference.

The RADLD.ORG website features fact sheets in more than 27 languages, quizzes and free up to date information on DLD for health professionals, educators, families, those directly affected, and the broader community.

Knockmore Primary School has four dedicated speech and language classes for children of P1-P7 age. These classes support children with all kinds of speech and language difficulties including DLD.