Exploring Self-Reported Quality of Life in Developmental Language Disorder

Area of Science:

• Linguistics
• Psychology
• Neurodiversity Studies

Background:

• Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a persistent condition impacting long-term outcomes.
• Quality of life in adolescents and young adults with DLD remains under-researched.
• A neurodiversity-informed perspective is crucial for understanding lived experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore self-reported quality of life in adolescents and young adults with DLD.
• To identify linguistic and risk factors associated with quality of life in this population.
• To adopt a neurodiversity-informed approach in assessing DLD.

Main Methods:

• A preliminary study involving five participants with DLD aged 12-20 years.
• Utilized self-report quality-of-life scales, a language assessment, and morphosyntax tasks.
• Included measures of risk factors and descriptive data analysis.

Main Results:

• Participants generally reported positive quality of life, with noted barriers in accessing accommodations and health services.
• Better grammaticality judgment correlated with lower self-reported happiness and authenticity.
• Nonverbal ability emerged as a potential risk factor, with cumulative effects possible.

Conclusions:

• Adolescents and young adults with DLD reported relatively good quality of life.
• Individual differences in language skills and risk factors influence quality of life.
• Findings highlight areas for clinical consideration regarding mental health and well-being in DLD.