Hosted by the Moor House Research & Training Institute, this Podcast explores Developmental Language Disorder, or DLD, a condition which affects 1 in 14, but is still widely misunderstood.
We’ll discover what DLD is, how it affects both children and adults, and why awareness matters.
Latest Episode
Series 1: Episode 7
In this episode, we explore the impact of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) on mental health and well-being.
We’re joined by Stuart Lane, an Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist at Moor House School and College, and Nicki Leeves, a qualified Therapeutic Play Practitioner.
Together, they share their insights and experiences, helping us better understand the challenges faced by young people with DLD and the strategies that can make a meaningful difference.
In this series
Series 1: Episode 7
In this episode, we explore Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) through the eyes of parents who know it first-hand.
We’re joined by Julia Irvine, whose daughter Sophie spent 13 years at Moor House, and Gavin O’Reilly, dad to Alex, who is currently in Year 10. Both Julia and Gavin have been training to run the 2026 London Marathon in support of Moor House – though sadly, Julia has had to defer her place due to injury.
Alongside hearing about their marathon journeys, we delve into what daily life is like for parents raising a child with DLD, sharing honest reflections, challenges, and moments of hope.
In this series
Series 1: Episode 5
In this episode we explore the world of Dyslexia and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).
We’re joined by Angela Belliveau, a specialist literacy tutor at Moor House School and College, and Maxwell Letts, a young person living with both DLD and Dyslexia, who share what that dual diagnosis means for learning and day-to-day life.
In this Series
Series 1: Episode 4
DLD is a lifelong condition. But despite this, most of the attention, research, and support is focused on children and young people.
In this episode, Sue Marr is joined by Dr. Cécile Larralde, a research associate here at Moor House; Shelbi Annison, an adult with lived experience of DLD; and her manager, Karen Wilmshurst.
Together they explore how adults with DLD navigate the workplace, the challenges they encounter and discuss how employers can provide meaningful support and make appropriate adjustments.
In this series
Series 1: Episode 3
In the latest episode of the DLD Download we’re diving into a topic that’s transforming education: Oracy.
Join host Sue Marr and special guest Catherine Pass from Voice 21, the national oracy education charity, as they explore what oracy really means, why it’s vital for learning and life, how it supports pupils with DLD and the future of oracy in UK schools.
In this series
Series 1: Episode 2
In this episode, we’re excited to welcome two incredible guests: Sophie Franks, an adult with lived experience of DLD, and Dr. Lucy Hughes, a specialist speech and language therapist and researcher at the Moor House Research and Training Institute. Together, they’ve been instrumental in the DLD Questions Project, a pioneering initiative where individuals with DLD helped shape the top priorities for future research.
Join us as we explore their insights and the impact of this groundbreaking work.
In this series
Series 1: Episode 1
In this powerful episode, Ollie Riley shares his journey from Moor House School to the marathon starting line and beyond. Living with Developmental Language Disorder, a condition often hidden and misunderstood, Ollie reflects on the support that helped him grow into a confident communicator, the unexpected path that led him to long‑distance running, and the lessons he’s learned about resilience, identity, and self‑belief. With warmth and honesty, he offers advice to young people with DLD, reminding them that even invisible challenges can be met with strength and determination.