Working Memory and Developmental Language Disorder: An Evidence-Informed Guide.

Practical Strategies for Speech-Language Pathologists, Educators, and Parents

Welcome,

This website provides evidence-based information about working memory (WM) and its impact on language learning in children with developmental language disorder (DLD). WM is essential to creating environments where children can access, retain, and use language more effectively, therefore impacting academic success.

What is Working Memory (WM)?

Working memory (WM) is actively holding and manipulating information. It differs from short-term memory, which is only storing information.

What is Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a diagnostic label used for children presenting with persistent language difficulties that are unaccounted for my biomedical reasons or restricted opportunities, and have a functional impact on education and/or social participation.

Why is WM important to DLD?

A core deficit observed in children with DLD is WM. Children with DLD may have limited vocabulary or morphosyntactic processing gaps which can create higher WM load to process this information.

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Introduction to Working Memory Deficits in Developmental Language Disorders

Working memory (WM) is the ability to hold and manipulate information. After initial sensory input, we are able to hold and actively process a certain amount of information. By encoding (through repeated exposure, rehearsal strategies, and distributed practice), we can put this information into our long-term memory which can later be retrieved. Working memory (WM) plays a crucial role in learning, particularly for students with Developmental Language Disorders (DLD). These st

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Nov 28, 20254 min read

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