This year’s theme, ‘You Can’t See DLD’, highlights the invisible nature of the condition and the importance of understanding and support.

DLD affects approximately 1 in 14 children, making it five times more common than autism. Yet despite its prevalence, it remains largely unknown to the public. DLD is a lifelong condition that impacts the ability to understand and use spoken language, often leading to challenges in education, social interaction, and mental health. Because it’s not immediately visible, individuals with DLD are frequently misunderstood or misjudged, reinforcing the need for greater awareness and empathy.

Moor House, a specialist School and College supporting young people with speech and language difficulties, embraced the theme through a series of inspiring events designed to bring visibility to this hidden disorder.

Earlier this term, students welcomed Siouxsie Webster, founder of My DLD Life, whose talk and artwork inspired a vibrant gallery of student creations. These pieces, now displayed throughout the school, offer a powerful visual narrative of the unseen challenges and inner strength of those living with DLD.

Students also heard from two more remarkable guest speakers: Abraz Hassain and Helen Yates. Abraz, who faced significant challenges growing up with DLD, delivered an uplifting message about the importance of asking for help, reminding students that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Helen, a former Moor House student, shared her journey into the world of film, where she has built a successful career as a Draughtsperson in the movie industry, doing what she loves every day. Her visit sparked curiosity and excitement, and was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with the right support, determination, and belief.

On DLD Awareness Day itself, staff reached out to the local community by meeting commuters at Hurst Green Station, distributing information and sparking conversations about DLD. Back at school, governors, trustees, parents, and guests were invited to view the student artwork and take part in a ‘Tea & Talk’ event, an opportunity to explore how students may “camouflage” their challenges to fit in, and to deepen understanding of the condition.

Sue Marr, Specialist Teacher in SLCN (DLD), said: “DLD is often hidden in plain sight. You won’t see it in someone’s appearance, but you will see it in their struggle to find the right words, follow instructions, or express themselves. Today is about making the invisible visible, celebrating the resilience of our students and reminding the world that language matters.”

For more information about DLD and how to support awareness efforts, visit RADLD.org or follow the hashtags #DLDday, #YouCantSeeDLD, #CouldItBeLanguage and #ThinkLanguageThinkDLD.