Using Books to Introduce Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) to Children
Written By:
Jinean Cheng, MSc.A SLP and Camesha Russell, BA
Empowered DLD Parenting
Every child deserves to see themselves in the stories they read. Yet, when we asked parents, not one could name a book, show, or movie featuring a character with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). One reason for this could be that awareness of DLD is so low. Many parents and teachers have never even heard of it, even though DLD is a leading cause of social and academic challenges.
Books can be a powerful way to introduce children to DLD—whether they have DLD themselves, have a sibling or friend with DLD, or are simply learning about different ways people communicate. Stories create safe opportunities for children to see experiences similar to their own, understand different perspectives, and learn strategies for overcoming challenges.
How Books Help Children Understand DLD
When children see characters facing struggles like their own, it can help them make sense of their experiences and develop confidence. Books featuring characters with DLD can show:
● Struggles with words getting "jumbled up"
● Overwhelm from multi-step instructions
● Anxiety about speaking up in class
● Friendship challenges and self-esteem issues
● Difficulty keeping up with conversations and jokes
● Masking during everyday interactions
Beyond representation, books can also help children develop skills and strategies. Through relatable characters, they can learn to:
● Self-advocate and ask for help
● Explain their DLD to others
● Use strategies like requesting one-step-at-a-time instructions
● Recognize and celebrate their strengths alongside their challenges
Why It Matters
For children with DLD, reading about characters like them can be an affirming experience. One mother shared how her daughter exclaimed, "That’s just like me!" while reading Dan and the Paper Airplane, a book featuring a child with DLD.
Books about DLD also serve a broader audience:
● Peers can develop empathy and understanding for classmates with DLD.
● Parents can use books as conversation starters to help children understand their diagnosis.
● Educators and speech-language pathologists can use engaging stories to teach self-advocacy and communication strategies.
Recommended Books on DLD
A growing collection of books is available to help children understand and cope with DLD. Here are some resources:
● The Living Life with Developmental Language Disorder Series (including Dan and the Paper Airplane and Dan and Daria Make Friends) – Follows Dan and Daria, two characters with DLD, as they learn to understand their diagnosis, self-advocate, and raise awareness.
● "Harry’s Story" – Follows Harry’s journey as he discovers his strengths while managing DLD.
● "DLD: Why Can't You See Me?" – Explores the invisible challenges of living with DLD.
● "DLD and Me" – A supportive guide to help children recognize they’re not alone in their DLD journey.
● "Meet DLD" – A gentle introduction to Developmental Language Disorder that helps children understand their diagnosis.
Often, children with DLD have difficulties in addition to language. They might have problems with speech or learning, for example, The IRIS Center recommends books that include characters with these and other related problems. IRIS | Children’s Books: Portrayals of People with Disabilities
Each of these books provides unique perspectives and insights into living with DLD. Families, educators, and speech-language pathologists can use them as valuable tools to foster understanding and support children’s communication needs.
By building a library of stories featuring characters with DLD, we can help children feel seen, understood, and empowered.
Disclaimer: The co-authors of this post, Jinean Cheng and Camesha Russell are also the co-authors of Dan and the Paper Airplane, Dan and Daria Make Friends, and future books in the Living Life with Developmental Language Disorder series. www.empowereddldparenting.com
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