Children from low socio-economic backgrounds are frequently affected by specific language impairment (Lascalles, 2013) and, although they may have greater needs than peers who have a diagnosis of autism, they receive little or no support in comparison.
In the Better Communication Research Programme (Lindsay et al, 2012) parents reported that they felt the reason behind the lack of support for their children was that specific language impairment (SLI) is a hidden disability and therefore not taken as seriously as dyspraxia or dyslexia, for example. They felt it was dismissed as a social disadvantage issue.
Would a change in terminology help teachers and parents to fully appreciate this type of impairment? Should we refer to SLI as dysphasia (a term used in many European countries)?
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