In this episode of Catholic Education Matters, host Ashley Marsh is joined by speech pathologists Lauren Cook and Lauren Naish from Catholic Education Sandhurst for a practical conversation timed with Developmental Language Disorder Day.

DLD - a language difficulty you often can’t see - affects about 1 in 14 children. Lauren Cook and Lauren Naish unpack what DLD is, what it can look and sound like in classrooms, and how teachers and families can spot early signs and support students with simple, high-impact strategies.

In this episode, we explore:

• What DLD is and why the theme 'You can’t see DLD' matters for classrooms and families
• Early indicators across Foundation to Year 6
• Practical strategies teachers can use ie slower teacher talk, facing the class, concise instructions and visuals, and adjusting video playback
• Why oral language is foundational to literacy and how gaps in language can undermine even strong reading programs
• How system-wide OxEd screening and intervention will work in our schools 

Whether you’re a teacher, school leader or parent, this episode offers clarity, encouragement and next steps for supporting students with DLD, because when we make language visible, we open doors to learning for every child.

Now join us as we explore what truly matters in education.

RESOURCES

Websites mentioned in this podcast:

Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (international site)

8 classroom tips

The DLD Project (Australian Site)

Speech Pathology Australia

Communication milestones

ABOUT CATHOLIC EDUCATION SANDHURST 

Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 51 Catholic schools across regional and rural Victoria, educating 15,490 students. We partner with schools, students and families to provide innovation and excellence in education, inspired by the Catholic story. 

Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.