DLD is characterized by a delay in the correct acquisition of language in absence of any other cause or disorder that could explain such delay. Besides that, individuals with DLD can develop adjustment problems at socioemotional, behavioral and scholar level due to the linguistic difficulties they experience in their daily life.
The research team I+DEL (Investigation, Development, Education and Language) published the last 16th of March, on the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, an article where they analyze the protective factors for children with DLD towards such maladjustment problems. In order to conduct this study, the team examined in 5 to 12 years old children, with and without DLD, variables of language, cognition, of behavioral, emotional and scholar adjustment, and also regarding the family’s socioeconomic status. The data conveyed by school tutors indicated that adolescents with DLD manifested a lower level of scholar adjustment and adaptive skills. The data acquired from the children themselves suggested that in individuals with DLD there was a higher incidence of emotional difficulties. However, the truly interesting result of the study was that the level of family involvement, but not their socioeconomic status, acted as a protective factor towards these maladjustment problems that adolescents with DLD can experience at different levels and in different areas. Thus, when facing DLD cases it seems necessary to conduct interventions with a global perspective, not only focusing on the individual and his or hers difficulties, but also acting on a scholar and family level.