Developmental language disorder: Impacts on literacy and life beyond school (with Dr. Karla McGregor)
The Be Podcast Network, an organization of more than four dozen engaging shows dedicated to education, and Reading Is Fundamental are partnering during National Literacy Month to share high-impact conversations about literacy with more than 40 unique episodes featuring conversations about the state of children’s literacy nationwide, best practices for reading instruction and engagement, strategies to foster the joy of reading in school and at home, and much more.
Students who meet the criteria for developmental language disorder (DLD) are often categorized as “speech only” in the school systems. In many cases, these students qualify for special education services under the eligibility category of “speech and language impaired”, which puts speech-language pathologists who serve as case managers in a difficult position ethically. Sometimes students may qualify for services under other eligibility categories, but there’s still a lack of awareness about the diagnosis; especially relating to how we serve students in schools.
The impact on literacy and overall academic performance can be substantial; not to mention life outcomes outside of school. Unlike other diagnoses that have other pathways to diagnosis in the early years, signs of DLD are often not identified until students start school. Therefore, DLD is an essential part of conversations surrounding literacy (even though it can impact way more than just reading). That’s why Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan invited Dr. Karla McGregor to De Facto Leaders to talk about DLD.