“What we know about [Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)] is it affects about one in 14 children. That's about two children per classroom statistically speaking,” Dr. Tiffany Hogan says in Episode 8 of the All for Literacy Podcast. 

Immersed in the needs of readers with speech, language, and literacy disorders, Hogan is director of the Speech and Language (SAiL) Literacy Lab, a professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Mass General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, and host of the SeeHearSpeak podcast. Her studies focus on genetic, neurologic, and behavioral links between oral and written language development. 

In this episode, podcast host Dr. Liz Brooke works with Hogan to unravel DLD—a condition characterized by a person having difficulty using or understanding language. You will walk away with an understanding of this complex diagnosis, including hallmark indications, best practices for screenings and interventions, and available resources. 

An experienced researcher herself, Hogan also guides listeners through the importance of multidirectional information flow between teachers, administrators, researchers, and practitioners. She and Brooke dissect how implementation science can close the gap between what we know and what we do.

Tune in to Episode 8 for an in-depth look at the assessment and implications of Developmental Language Disorder and how to translate research to hands-on district or classroom-level change.

Episode Breakdown

(01:23) - Hogan’s start in education

(04:37) - Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) history and definition

(08:49) - Hallmark indicators of DLD

(12:37) - DLD screenings and support

(21:51) - Translating evidence-based approaches into the classroom

(24:43) - Barriers to language across all grade levels

(28:46) - DLD resources

(33:31) - Importance of information flow between researchers, practitioners, teachers, and administrators

(38:09) - Implementation science

(44:38) - Key takeaways from Research Institute for Implementation Science and Education

(47:35) - The promising future of the science of reading

(53:21) - Listening over problem-solving

About Dr. Tiffany Hogan

Dr. Tiffany Hogan is director of the Speech and Language (SAiL) Literacy Lab, a professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Mass General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, and host of the SeeHearSpeak podcast. She studies genetic, neurologic, and behavioral links between oral and written language development, focusing on co-morbid speech, language, and literacy disorders.

Visit the All for Literacy website for links to each of the resources mentioned in this episode!