Impact of developmental language disorders on mental health and well-being across the lifespan: a qualitative study including the perspectives of UK adults with DLD and Australian speech-language therapists

Adults with DLD may experience poor self-esteem, anxiety and depression. These mental health concerns may result from (a) exhaustion due to masking/compensating for neurodevelopmental differences, (b) loneliness and/or disempowerment due to difficulties with social interaction and (c) adverse experiences such as bullying, discrimination and a lack of appropriate accommodation at school and in the workplace. A lack of awareness and support for people with DLD from health, education and employment providers was also seen as a contributing factor to poor mental health. Diagnosis may serve a protective function for mental health via self-understanding, self-esteem and self-advocacy.