Developing with Developmental Language Disorder: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), affecting approximately 6-8% of children, emerges in childhood and presents challenges to the lives of individuals into their adult lives. However, the lived experiences and perspectives of adults with DLD have not been extensively studied. In this first ever Norwegian study of this sort, 13 adults with DLD shared their perspectives and reflections on the effect of DLD on their lives via semi-structured interviews, focusing on the risks and protective factors that shaped their educational, occupational and socioemotional outcomes. We present two major themes: Navigating life with DLD and Incorporating DLD in self-identities. The stories of the participants call for efforts to improve diagnostic processes, enhance school-based supports, and celebrate differences associated with neurodevelopmental differences. The study provides person-centered novel evidence and understanding of DLD in a specific sociocultural context, Norway, adding to the small number of first-person or qualitative accounts of the experiences of adults with DLD.