Episode 6 - “See Her Speak”: Discussing DLD w/ Tiffany Hogan, PhD

Episode Summary 
Language is a powerful device we use to communicate every day, yet we may underestimate its complex, multifaceted nature. In this episode, Tiffany Hogan, PhD, CCC-SLP, teaches listeners about the fundamental aspects of language and discusses specific language difficulties presented in children with Developmental Language Disorders (DLD). Did you know that about one in ten people are diagnosed with DLD? Dr. Hogan presents the top myths of DLD and explains ways speech language pathologists and classroom teachers can collaborate to remediate and support children with DLD. Reflecting on her vast experience as a researcher, Dr. Hogan calls for continued collaboration between scientists and educators through implementation science and bidirectional learning. Dr. Hogan uniquely presents ideas for sharing expertise with the public including her own podcast, SeeHearSpeak, in order to advocate for the DLD community around the world.

“Each person listening has a unique opportunity to be an advocate and a hero for a child with a developmental language disorder. Even if you don’t think you know a child with a DLD, you probably do because it [affects] 1 in 10 children."

Top READ Bookmarks
Each episode, host Danielle Scorrano identifies key takeaways or “READ bookmarks.” The bookmarks for this episode relate to the core principles of READ: Research, Education, and ADvocacy. Read more below:

1. RESEARCH - Our ability to effectively use language pertains to our understanding of the form, or the sounds of the language, the pragmatics, or use, and the content. Developmental Language Disorders (DLD) are a genetic, life-long, and brain-based variation in certain aspects of language, with difficulties in syntax, grammar, and vocabulary.

Did you know? There is a 50% overlap between dyslexia and DLD?

Under the umbrella of language disabilities, the key characteristics of the type of language aspects that [children with dyslexia and DLD] struggle with are slightly different.

2. EDUCATION - According to Dr. Hogan, a late talker is a child with a vocabulary of less than 50 words by age 2 and who uses no two-word combinations. Early identification, intervention, and effective instruction are crucial for children with DLD. Effective instruction for students with DLD involves a close collaboration between classroom teachers and speech language pathologists. The classroom needs to be a strong language-rich environment to support the child's literacy development. 

Did you know? Children with DLD are always late talkers, but all late talkers may not necessarily have a DLD.

“One of the ways we think about remediation is at the baseline, the classroom has a very strong language environment.”

 3. ADVOCACY - Researchers and educators can proactively work together in the research process through bidirectional learning and by developing novel ways to share information, such as through a podcast! 

Developmental Language Disorders are one of the “most common but hidden learning disability, and to actually understand this disorder will help so many children that are struggling and feel a lot of shame due to their [challenges]."

Resources: 

Dr. Hogan's Website at MGH Institute

SeeHearSpeak Podcast

DLD and Me

Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder

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READ Podcast is produced by The Windward School and The Windward Institute. READ is hosted by Danielle Scorrano.

About READ: READ, the Research Education ADvocacy Podcast connects you with prominent researchers, thought leaders, and educators who share their work, insights, and expertise about current research and best practices in fields of education and child development.
Note: All information and insights shared demonstrate the expertise and views of our guests.