"It's wishy-washy [...] You are getting this diagnosis because we've ruled out everything else:" Developmental language disorder (DLD) diagnosis in the Republic of Ireland: A qualitative exploration of the perspectives of parents and clinicians.

ABSTRACT: Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) affects around 7% of children globally, yet the scholarship on it is significantly underdeveloped. Emerging research suggests that DLD is both underdiagnosed by clinicians and misunderstood by parents. This study explores the perspectives of both clinicians and parents regarding their experiences of the process of giving and receiving a DLD diagnosis in the Republic of Ireland. Semi-structured qualitative group interviews were conducted with 15 parents and seven clinicians. The data were analysed using a reflexive, thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: "challenges of giving a DLD diagnosis", "communicating a DLD diagnosis", "utility of DLD diagnosis for children and families" and "going forward and recommendations". Clinicians reported system

SUBMITTER: Kazmierczak-Murray S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12250196 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature