Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) Assessment
EPIC offers consultant-led assessment of developmental language disorder (DLD), other speech and language disorders, and aphantasia, for children, young people and young adults across Devon and the South West. We have particular expertise in the assessment of complex language disorders, with input from our specialist speech and language therapist.
What is DLD?
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and other speech and language disorders are neurodevelopmental conditions characterised by differences with understanding and/or using spoken language. DLD can present in a variety of ways, with features that can appear similar to autism, ADHD or learning difficulties. EPIC has unique expertise in the assessment of complex language disorders and aphantasia (the inability to visualise mental images).
How do we assess for DLD and language disorders?
All assessments for DLD and language disorders follow and are informed by the initial assessment with one of our consultants or senior clinicians.
If DLD or another language disorder is suspected, there are different levels of speech and language assessment that may be advised. The Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF 5 UK) assesses core receptive and expressive language skills in a single assessment session. Where appropriate, our specialist speech and language therapist will undertake further assessments of higher order language, exploring the use, processing and interpretation of language – particularly for social communication and the impact of any difficulties on emotions and behaviour. This typically takes three or more assessment sessions.
Information on the individual components and what to expect is available from our administration team on request.
What is the outcome?
All of our assessments include a feedback appointment with the consultant or senior clinician to discuss the findings – this may be with our specialist speech and language therapist if appropriate. Recognising and understanding DLD or other language disorders is important for providing appropriate support, adaptations and interventions where needed. A full written report with recommendations is provided.
How much does it cost?
- DLD / Language disorder assessment – £500 to £3,000, dependent on the level and complexity of assessment needed
Please see our costs explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
DLD can present in ways that look similar to autism, ADHD or learning difficulties on the surface – particularly where social communication is affected. Specialist language assessment helps to identify whether the underlying difficulty is one of language understanding or expression, or whether something else is at play. The initial assessment with one of our consultants will help guide which assessment pathway is most appropriate.
Core language is assessed using the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF 5 UK) – a single session. Where appropriate, our specialist speech and language therapist will then carry out further assessment of higher order language across three or more sessions, exploring use, processing and interpretation of language and the impact on emotions and behaviour.
Yes – EPIC has particular expertise in aphantasia (the inability to visualise mental images). Where this is suspected, assessment will be incorporated into the language and cognitive assessment pathway.
The cost depends on the level and complexity of assessment required. Some children and young people need only the core language assessment, while others benefit from more extensive specialist exploration of higher order language. The full quotation is always agreed before any assessment proceeds.
Every assessment includes a feedback appointment with the consultant, senior clinician or our specialist speech and language therapist to discuss the findings. You’ll also receive a full written report with personalised recommendations for support, adaptations and interventions.
Related Services
- Initial Assessments – the consultant-led first appointment that all our assessment pathways begin with
- Autism (ASD) and PDA Assessment – DLD can sometimes present similarly to autism
- Neurodevelopmental Assessment – see all conditions we assess
- Costs Explained – what’s included in our pricing and why