Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) Day 2026

The Department of Human Communication Sciences & Disorders is joining forces with Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (RADLD) and other organisations worldwide to mark DLD Awareness Day on Friday 16 October 2026.

DLD is a hidden language impairment that first appears in childhood and persists into adulthood. It causes difficulties understanding and using language, for no known reason. DLD is very common, affecting one in every 14 individuals.

“DLD is often invisible because there is nothing to signal that an individual has the condition”, said Daniela Gatt, Associate Professor at the Department of Human Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Malta. “As a result, language problems may be misinterpreted as signs of slowness, lack of intelligence or social inadequacy. The struggles with language that individuals with DLD experience need to be acknowledged and supported".

Prof. Gatt emphasised that increased awareness of DLD in Malta is a society-wide priority. The general public needs to become more considerate of the toll that DLD takes on language ability and of the wide-ranging consequences.

The 2026 DLD Day theme, "Together for DLD" calls on people with DLD, families, professionals and researchers to work together as a team to achieve the best outcomes for individuals with DLD. Everyone has a role to play.

In the run-up to DLD Day 2026, staff and students from the Department of Human Communication Sciences and Disorders will be distributing posters and information leaflets at the University of Malta's Msida Campus, to help raise awareness of the condition within the University community and beyond.

#DLDday 2026

For more information contact, Prof. Daniela Gatt by email.