When we think about Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), we often focus on the specific linguistic challenges a person has with speaking, listening, reading and writing. But there’s another, quieter social–emotional part of their lived experience that often goes unnoticed — something many children, teens, and adults with DLD do every day to fit in, stay safe, and feel accepted.
It’s called camouflaging or is sometimes also referred to as masking— and it’s time we talk about it.
This DLD Day (Friday, 17th October 2025), the theme is all about how “You Can’t See DLD”, and this can often be down to camouflaging.
What is camouflaging?
Camouflaging is when someone hides or covers up their difficulties or differences, so they appear to “blend in” with others. In the context of DLD, this often means putting extra effort into hiding language challenges, whether by:
- Copying what others say without fully understanding
- Nodding or laughing along to avoid asking questions
- Staying silent in group conversations
- Using vague language to avoid specific words or ideas
- Memorising phrases or routines to get through social or academic tasks
While this might help someone avoid embarrassment in the moment, it can take its toll on them.
Why do people with DLD camouflage?
People with DLD often know that they struggle more than their peers — even if they don’t understand or can’t explain why. This awareness can lead to feelings of:
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– Shame or embarrassment
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– Fear of judgment
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– Desire to be accepted
So, instead of asking for help or admitting confusion, many children and teens with DLD find creative ways to “pass” as typical. Sometimes, they become incredibly skilled at it — so much so that their difficulties are overlooked or misunderstood as shyness, inattention, or even laziness.
What does camouflaging look like in real life?
Imagine an 8-year-old girl with DLD sitting in class. Her teacher asks a question she doesn’t understand. Instead of asking for clarification, she waits until a classmate answers and then repeats part of their response if called on. To the teacher, she seems like she’s coping fine. But inside the story can be quite different.
Or consider a teenager with DLD in a group chat. They rarely contribute, or they send emojis instead of words. Their friends think they’re quiet or just not interested — but in reality, they’re hiding their difficulty with written language and avoiding judgment.
These strategies may help avoid negative attention, but they can also lead to:
- Increased anxiety and stress
- Exhaustion from constant self-monitoring
- Lower self-esteem
- Missed opportunities for support
Camouflaging is not the same as using supportive strategies
It’s important to understand that camouflaging is not the same as using support strategies to help manage difficulties associated with DLD. Strategies should be empowering and sustainable, where as camouflaging, is often about survival, as opposed to success.
For example:
How can we support those who camouflage?
Here’s the good news: we can make it safer for individuals with DLD to be their full selves. That starts with awareness, empathy, and creating environments where language differences are understood and accepted.
For Parents & Families:
- Be on the lookout for signs of camouflaging — especially if your child seems exhausted after school or avoids social situations.
- Normalise asking for help. Celebrate effort, not just “getting it right.”
- Give your child downtime to decompress after language-heavy tasks.
For Teachers & Educators:
- Learn about the signs of DLD (see our useful checklist here) and how camouflaging might present in your classroom.
- Offer safe, shame-free ways for students to express confusion (e.g. using a card or signal).
- Don’t assume silence means understanding. Check in gently and privately.
- Use visuals, models, and repetition to support comprehension.
For Professionals:
- Consider the emotional impact of camouflaging when assessing or treating individuals with DLD.
- Make space for open conversations about when and why a person might be camouflaging.
- Encourage identity-affirming strategies that support confidence and communication.
Let’s create a world where no one has to hide
Camouflaging is a powerful, and often invisible, part of the DLD experience. By recognising it, we can start to reduce the pressure and instead focus on supporting people as they are.
This DLD Day, let’s remember: the goal isn’t for children and adults with DLD to hide who they are. The goal is to build a world that embraces them, understands them, and gives them the tools to thrive as themselves – unmasked.
Want to Get Involved?
- Follow us on social media
- Visit DLD Awareness Day – RADLD
Share this post using #DLDday2025 and #devlangdis
Together, we can make language differences visible.
