What are the risk factors for developmental language disorder?

While Developmental Language Disorder can affect any child, certain factors increase the likelihood of it occurring. Risk factors include:

1. Family history of language or learning difficulties.
2. Being male (boys are slightly more likely to have DLD).
3. Premature birth or low birth weight.
4. Prenatal complications such as maternal infections or substance exposure.
5. Co-occurring conditions like ADHD or dyslexia.

Importantly, DLD is not caused by poor parenting or a lack of exposure to language—it is a neurodevelopmental condition.

If your child has known risk factors, early speech therapy can support stronger outcomes. Contact us now to learn more about assessment and therapy.