Is Camouflaging in DLD Hiding Children’s Real Needs?

Citation

Hobson, H. M., & Lee, A. (2023). Camouflaging in developmental language disorder: The views of speech and language pathologists and parents. Communication Disorders Quarterly, 44(4), 247-256.

Key terms that are in this paper

·        Camouflaging: Behaviours that cover up neurodivergent difficulties. This could include imitating the behaviour of neurotypical individuals.

Aim of the paper

·        This research aimed to start exploring camouflaging in DLD.

·        Previously, researchers have studied camouflaging in autism.

·        Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is another type of neurodivergence. It has some similarities to autism.

·        Many people have undiagnosed DLD. This can have negative outcomes for wellbeing, social situations, and school or work outcomes.

·        Camouflaging in DLD may make it harder to notice individuals’ struggles. On top of this, camouflaging itself can increase people’s worries, anxiety and increase mood problems.

What was found

·        Getting diagnoses and support was difficult for all parents.

·        Parents and professionals said that children use conversation tools to cope with difficulties.

·        For example, children pretended to understand a conversation, or relied on other people.

·        Some children avoided situations where language is needed. For example, they avoided playing with other children.

·        Some children used nonverbal behaviour like smiling to camouflage.

·        Children also misbehaved as a way of avoiding difficult language situations.

·        Problem solving and copying were other ways that children managed difficult situations.

·        Professionals found that camouflaging had an impact on access to help. For example, children camouflaged in language assessments.

·        Children also avoid using language tools (like picture books). This is because they felt uncomfortable being different from other children.

·        Parents and professionals thought that camouflaging had negative impacts. In particular, it affects children’s energy, mental health and relationships.

What does this mean?

·        This study suggests that professionals should look out for camouflaging in DLD.

·        Camouflaging may make it less obvious that a child has DLD.

·        Targeting camouflaging in speech and language therapy may be helpful for children.

·        More research is needed to learn about camouflaging in DLD. For example, looking at the perspective of people with DLD themselves is important.

Where can I read this paper?

·        You can access the full paper by following this link: https://doi.org/10.1177/15257401221120937  Youtube Summary for the paper can be found here https://youtu.be/0p8uyJGFb5k