Children's Wellness and Development Center

03/02/2026

The Most Common Disorder You’ve Never Heard Of:
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)

By Kendal Martes, M.A., CCC-SLP

If your child…

• Struggles to follow directions
• Has trouble explaining their ideas
• Can read words but doesn’t understand what they read
• Seems “distracted” or “unmotivated”

…but no one has been able to clearly explain why — you are not alone.

There is a condition that affects 1 in 14 children that many families (and even educators) have never heard of:

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).

What is DLD?

Developmental Language Disorder is a neurobiological difference that affects how a child understands and uses language.

It is not caused by:

Low intelligence

Laziness

Poor parenting

Hearing loss

Autism

Being bilingual

Children with DLD are often bright and capable — but their brains process language less efficiently.

Because language is the foundation for reading, writing, learning, and friendships, DLD can impact:

• Reading comprehension
• Written expression
• Following classroom instruction
• Social communication

It’s often called a “hidden disorder” because there are no obvious physical signs. Many children mask their difficulties — until academic demands increase.

DLD vs. Dyslexia vs. ADHD

They are not the same — but they often overlap.

• Dyslexia → difficulty with word reading and spelling
• DLD → difficulty understanding and using spoken language
• ADHD → difficulty with attention and impulse control

Sometimes what looks like inattention is actually language processing delay.

When Should You Consider an Evaluation?

If your child:

Leaves off word endings (“Yesterday he walk.”)

Uses vague words (“that thing,” “stuff”)

Needs extra time to answer questions

Struggles to retell stories clearly

Can read words but can’t explain meaning

…it may be worth exploring a speech and language evaluation.

The Good News

Language skills can grow with the right support.

Early identification matters.

Awareness matters.

And children with DLD can absolutely thrive.

If you have concerns about your child’s language, reading comprehension, or academic struggles, we’re happy to help guide you toward next steps.

📞 Contact Children’s Wellness & Development Center

401-315-9181
https://childrenswellnessri.com/childrens-community-resources/

02/07/2026

If you have a child aged 3-5. Please consider completing this brief survey! You will be entered into a raffle to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!
https://forms.office.com/r/KLdpD3n2Xy

12/05/2025

https://childrenswellnessri.com/developing-girls-confidence-evidence-based-strategies-parents-can-use-on-and-off-the-field/

Developing Girls’ Confidence: Evidence-Based Strategies Parents Can Use On and Off the Field / Confidence, Development, Girls / By Jennifer Frechette Confidence is not something girls “just have” — it is something they develop through experience, encouragement, and the meaning they make of s...

11/26/2025

https://childrenswellnessri.com/supporting-your-neurodiverse-child-during-the-holidays-even-when-relatives-dont-quite-get-it/

Supporting Your Neurodiverse Child During the Holidays—Even When Relatives Don’t Quite Get It / Self Regulation / By Jennifer Frechette As we enter the holiday season, many parents feel pressure from relatives who may not fully understand their child’s needs—especially when a child is neurod...

05/13/2025

Why Individualized, Evidence-Based Tutoring Matters

Every child learns differently, which is why one-size-fits-all approaches often fall short. Our summer tutoring program offers personalized instruction in reading, writing, and math that meets each learner where they are. We use evidence-based methods proven to build skills and confidence—because effective support means real progress. Instruction is delivered by experienced educators, including an Orton-Gillingham certified instructor, specially trained to support students with reading challenges such as dyslexia.

05/09/2025

04/10/2025

If your child is facing emotional challenges, learning difficulties, attention issues, or behavioral concerns, we're here to help you understand what's going on —and guide you on what to do next.

Neuropsychological Testing is one way to gain a better understanding of your child’s needs. It can offer insights into things like:

🌱Why they might be having trouble with schoolwork, attention, or emotional regulation
🌱 How they see and experience the world in a way that’s unique to them
🌱 What support can make the biggest difference in helping them thrive
🌱 Identifying learning difficulties, ADHD, anxiety, and more
🌱Help understand your child’s unique strengths and areas for growth
🌱Provide a clear path forward with actionable insights and recommendations
🌱Support their emotional well-being and social development

In conjunction with Nuropsychological Testing we also perform Educational Testing. This testing offers invaluable information which includes:

🌱Providing educators and parents with a better understanding of their child’s learning profile.
🌱 Incorporates assessments of language processing skills, reading, writing, and mathematics.
🌱 Identify specific learning disabilities that may be impacting the child’s learning in school.
🌱 Recommendations for school-based services (if deemed necessary) are offered

We also offer specialized tutoring and parental support. We see kids from 4 through college age. Contact us if you’d like to learn more or schedule a free 15 minute consultation with our Intake Coordinator.

Providing a supportive community to help your child and family thrive Learn More Who We See We help children, adolescents, and young adults. Learn More Services We provide comprehensive neuropsychological and educational evaluations, as well as therapy and tutoring. Learn More Get in Touch Contact u...

02/03/2025

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/american-psychological-association_optimism-can-help-you-save-for-a-rainy-day-activity-7291948754968952832-9krZ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Being optimistic about the future may help people save more money, and the effect appears strongest among those with lower incomes, according to research…

12/26/2024

Please join us in plunging for a cause at Mackerel Cove. Donations to benefit the Autism Project of RI and Jamestown Educational Foundation

09/04/2024

As the school year approaches, many parents are looking for ways to help their children transition smoothly back to the classroom. Summertime is generally more relaxed and parents have additional time to engage with their children.

04/18/2024

We are excited to share the recent opening of our practice in Jamestown, Rhode Island. We provide psychological, neuropsychological and educational evaluations for children and young adults. Please contact our office to learn more about our services or check out our website:

Providing a supportive community to help your child and family thrive Learn More Providing comprehensive and individualized evaluations to support children, young adults, and their families.Learn MoreWe use personalized tools and strategies to help children and their families learn to navigate home....