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Abstract

Background
An emerging body of literature explores the impact of living with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) for children, individuals and families. This work has identified a range of challenges and strengths. However, there is limited evidence from the DLD community about the impacts of living with DLD in relation to parenting.

Aims
We explored the perspectives of caregivers in response to an open-text survey question: “What is most rewarding and challenging about being a parent to a child with DLD?”

Methods & Procedures
Respondents were caregivers of children with DLD who had signed up to Engage with Developmental Language Disorder (E-DLD). Qualitative content analysis was used to explore the open-ended responses from 112 parents who completed the yearly survey (child average age = 9.6 years; SD = 3.5 years, 46.9% female). Most caregivers lived in the UK, but we also had responses from around the world.

Outcomes & Results
For ‘rewards’, 52 codes and seven higher order categories were identified. These comprised the many rewards experienced from caring for a child with DLD, including seeing and celebrating progress, celebrating their child’s personality, and being proud to be their child’s parent. Caregivers mentioned the positives gained from learning about DLD and working together with their child to help them achieve their potential. They reflected on the supportive nature of the ‘right’ environment, in particular the school context and social connectedness.
For ‘challenges’, 84 codes and 11 higher order categories were identified. Caregivers often noted the lack of awareness of DLD among the community and professionals in general, and within the school system and among teachers. Caregivers reported support and information about DLD was difficult to find and were impacted by a constant need for advocacy. They reflected on the increased time needed to support their child, and worried about their child’s social and community participation. Many commented on the impact of DLD on the family, and on the mental health and wellbeing of both them and their children.

Conclusions & Implications
Hearing the views of caregivers of children with DLD is key, because shared decision making is central to client-centred care. Furthermore, ‘client perspectives’ is a cornerstone of evidence-based practice. There is much to take from the responses, and for professionals to reflect on and use. Collaboration with children, young people and families is needed for effective advocacy, and to develop awareness of DLD.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is the peer reviewed version of the following article:Leitao, S., St Clair, M., Botting, N. , Gibson, J. & Jackson, E. (2025). “They don't realise how hard he has to try every day”: The rewards and challenges of parenting a child with developmental language disorder. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, which will be published in final form at onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14606984. . This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.
Publisher Keywords:	Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), Parent perspectives, Rewards and Challenges
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ101 Child Health. Child health services
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Language & Communication Science
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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