Primary Language Disorder (PLD) refers to an all-encompassing developmental disorder that affects how children think about, understand and use language.  It is the primary impairment that contributes to restrictions in a child’s participation and wellbeing.  For a child with PLD, their language difficulties impact the most upon their access to their environment.  PLD includes all children that have been verified under the SLI disability category and some of the students verified under the ASD and II disability categories.

Language difficulties may occur for many reasons.  Consultation with a speech pathologist and a psychologist and/or other health professionals is essential to determine whether a child has PLD.  Every child presents with different difficulties, however all PLD intervention involves language therapy.  It may also involve additional therapy by an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist, music therapist and learning support staff.