Freyja Westwood

Young people demonstrated the power of advocacy at a Young People’s Committee for Speech, Language and Communication, held at Parliament on Tuesday 23 June 2026.  The event, organised by the Speech, Language and Communication Alliance, offered a unique platform for young people to share their experiences and ask questions with MPs including Jen Craft, Helen Hayes, Jess Phillips and Saqib Bhatti.  Among them was Maxwell Letts, a student […]

For many parents, teachers, and members of the DLD community, navigating learning differences can feel overwhelming, especially when children don’t fit neatly into one category. Two conditions that are often discussed separately, but frequently occur together, are dyslexia and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).  Understanding how they relate, how they differ, and how they impact everyday life can make a powerful difference in

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is more common than many people think — affecting roughly 1 in 14 children — yet it’s still widely misunderstood. These misunderstandings can delay diagnosis, lead to inappropriate interventions, or cause children to be unfairly labelled.  Let’s break down 7 common myths about DLD and uncover the truths that parents, educators,

What is Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?  Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a condition that affects how someone understands and uses language. It’s a hidden disability, meaning there are no obvious physical signs, yet it can have a significant impact on communication, learning, and daily life.  DLD is surprisingly common, affecting around 1 in 14 people—more