Developmental Language Disorder Terminology: A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists’ Use and Knowledge

Abstract

Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a relatively new, internationally used term to describe individuals with language impairments not secondary to a biomedical condition. This study aimed to better understand speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs) current level of comfort using DLD terminology and knowledge of DLD in order to help SLPs to better understand how and why they should adopt DLD terminology in their clinical practice.A repeated measures study design assessed how an educational presentation changes SLPs’ comfort in using DLD terminology and knowledge of DLD. Analyses were completed for 77 survey responses to determine respondents’ (1a) baseline and (1b) change in comfort levels using DLD terminology and respondents’ (2a) baseline and (2b) change in knowledge of DLD. Calculated descriptive statistics determined sample characteristics as well as comfort levels using DLD terminology and knowledge of DLD. Thematic analysis was completed for the final post-survey question. Pre-survey Likert scale responses indicated relatively high levels of comfort in using DLD terminology. Additionally, pre-survey results revealed variability in respondents’ knowledge of DLD. A McNemar chi-square test indicated statistically significant changes in participants’ comfort levels using DLD terminology pre- to post-survey for each question. A paired t-test indicated statistically significant changes in DLD knowledge pre- to post-survey. Despite some limitations, it was concluded that diffusion efforts, such as educational presentations, are likely to increase SLPs’ comfort levels in using DLD terminology as well as SLPs' knowledge of DLD. Keywords: developmental language disorder, speech-language pathologists, Diffusion of Innovation theory, innovation-decision process, early adopters