Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) in Young People Leaving Care in England: A Study Profiling the Language, Literacy and Communication Abilities of Young People Transitioning from Care to Independence

Judy Clegg, Ellen Crawford, Sarah Spencer and Danielle Matthews
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Judy Clegg: Division of Human Communication Sciences, Health Sciences School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TS, UK
Ellen Crawford: Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 2LT, UK
Sarah Spencer: Division of Human Communication Sciences, Health Sciences School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TS, UK
Danielle Matthews: Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 2LT, UK

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 8, 1-19

Abstract: Research indicates children and young people in care have a high prevalence of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) as part of a complex set of vulnerabilities. This study describes the profile of language, literacy and communication abilities of a cohort of care leavers. The language, literacy and communication abilities of 44 young people leaving care between the ages of 16 and 26 years were assessed using standardized measures. Demographic data about the young people was collected along with a survey to key staff to capture their perceptions and experiences of the language and communication abilities of these young people. Ninety percent of the care leavers’ language abilities were below average and over 60% met criteria for DLD in combination with literacy difficulties, developmental disorders and social, emotional and mental health difficulties (SEMH). The implications of unidentified DLD on the lives of young people leaving care is discussed. Earlier identification of DLD is advocated to enable services to intervene to facilitate more positive outcomes and life chances for this very vulnerable population.

Keywords: care leavers; developmental language disorder (DLD); language; communication; literacy; psycho-social; mental health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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