Landmarks around the island, among them the Tower of Refuge and Ramsey Swing Bridge, will be lit in purple today (16 October) for Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) awareness day, Manx Radio reported.
According to Manx Radio, DLD affects about one in 14 people, who have trouble understanding and using language with no known cause.
The broadcaster said children are diagnosed when they do not develop their own language and there is no obvious explanation. Those affected can find it hard to follow what is said to them and to express their thoughts and feelings.
Manx Radio cited recent research indicating that, on average, two pupils in a class of 30 have DLD to a degree that holds back their learning. It described the condition as more common than autism, yet largely hidden.
This year’s theme is “together for DLD”.
Lesley Cherriman, a speech and language therapist, will be at Douglas Library between 12:30 and 14:00 today to answer questions from anyone wanting to know more.
