Developing With Developmental Language Disorder: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), affecting approximately 6-8% of children, emerges in childhood and presents challenges to the lives of individuals into their adult lives. However, the lived experiences and perspectives of adults with DLD have not been extensively studied. In this first-ever Norwegian study of its kind, 13 adults with DLD participated in semi-structured interviews in which they shared their perspectives and reflections on how DLD has affected their lives, focusing on the risks and protective factors that shaped their educational, occupational, and socioemotional outcomes. We present two major themes: Navigating life with DLD and Incorporating DLD in self-identities. The stories of the participants call for efforts to improve identification and diagnostic processes, enhance school-based supports, and celebrate neurodevelopmental diversity. The study provides person-centered novel evidence and understanding of DLD in a specific sociocultural context, Norway, adding to the small number of first-person or qualitative accounts of the experiences of adults with DLD.