For many parents of children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), the future can feel uncertain. Will their child get into college? Will they have a good job? Will they be able to pursue their dreams? Can they ever truly thrive in a world that demands strong language and literacy skills?
The answer is a resounding YES.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with many incredible students diagnosed with DLD. Their journeys weren’t easy—DLD presents persistent challenges in understanding and using language, affecting everything from reading and writing to critical thinking, pragmatics, and self-advocacy. However, with consistent, evidence-based interventions and unwavering support, these students not only overcame their struggles but have gone on to achieve remarkable success.
From Language Challenges to Aerospace Engineering
One of my students began working with me at the advanced age of 14, already aware of the difficulties he faced with pragmatics, social cognition, as well as advanced reading writing. While bright and motivated, he struggled in the areas of pragmatics as well as advanced reading and written expression. Socially he was frequently getting into trouble with teachers who perceived him to be quite rude. Yet, through targeted interventions and a structured approach to language and literacy, he built the skills he needed to succeed in high school and beyond. Today, he has graduated from Purdue University’s Aerospace Engineering program—a field requiring immense technical precision, problem-solving, and advanced comprehension skills. His story is proof that language difficulties do not define intelligence or limit potential.
From Early Intervention to Academic Excellence
Another student began speech-language services with me at just 6 years of age and continued through middle school. Throughout his early years, oral language, reading and writing were difficult, and he needed explicit, structured language support to build the foundational skills that would allow him to keep up with his peers. Now, as a sophomore in The College of New Jersey’s School of Business, he consistently makes the Dean’s List—a testament to his perseverance and the power of strong, early intervention. His ability to navigate complex business concepts, participate in discussions, and articulate his ideas clearly is a direct result of years of quality language and literacy instruction.
From Speech Therapy to STEM Success
One student I worked with from ages 11 to 16 faced significant struggles with written expression, word-finding, social cognition, as well as grade-level reading and writing. Despite these challenges, she worked tirelessly to strengthen her academic language skills, gaining the confidence to tackle higher-level coursework. Today, she is a junior at Stevens Institute of Technology, thriving in an environment that demands strong analytical and communication skills. Her success highlights that DLD does not preclude a career in STEM—quite the opposite, with the right supports, students with language-based learning differences can excel in technical fields.
From Setback to Success: Overcoming Challenges to Thrive in Art School
Not every student starts therapy early. At 22, one young adult had already faced the disappointment of dropping out of college, due to struggling with the social and executive function demands that often overwhelm students with pragmatic and organizational challenges. Navigating unstructured environments, managing deadlines, and engaging in academic discussions felt insurmountable. But with a year and a half of targeted therapy—focusing on executive functioning, self-advocacy, and pragmatic language—then enrolling at Savannah College of Art and Design, she gradually found her footing. As she developed the confidence and strategies needed to manage her workload and social interactions, she began to thrive in an environment where her creativity could flourish. Now, she is nearing the completion of her degree, proving that with the right support, setbacks are just stepping stones to success.
The Power of Quality Language and Literacy Intervention
These stories should serve as a beacon of hope for parents wondering what the future holds for their children with DLD. With high-quality, evidence-based language and literacy intervention, children with DLD can thrive in school, succeed in higher education, and build fulfilling careers. While the journey may require more effort, more explicit instruction, and more advocacy, the outcome is clear: DLD is not a barrier to success—it is simply a challenge to be met with the right tools and support.
What Parents Can Do Today
If you are a parent of a child with DLD, don’t wait to take action. The earlier your child receives structured language and literacy intervention, the more they will benefit. However, it is also never too late to start and even college aged students can attain therapeutic success. Here’s what the parents can do:
- Seek evidence-based language assessments and targeted interventions. Work with professionals who use research-backed strategies to assess, treat and support language and literacy development.
- Advocate for your child. Ensure they receive appropriate interventions, accommodations, and school support. Educate all educational professionals about DLD and its impact.
- Encourage resilience, perseverance, and confidence. Many children with DLD doubt their abilities. They give up too easily. Celebrate their strengths and remind them that success is within their reach. Encourage perseverance through difficult times.
- Stay the course. Progress will be slow at times, but consistency is key. Have them continue to attend good quality therapy services even after the initial success is evident. Keep pushing for good quality services. Finally, keep supporting their efforts, and know that the long-term impact will be worth it.
Your child’s potential is limitless. With the right interventions and the right mindset, they too can achieve great things. Their success story is waiting to be written—let’s give them the tools to make it happen.