Being a mum is tough, no doubt about it. But being a mum to a child with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) – that's a whole different ball game. My name's Sarah, and I can tell you, the journey hasn't been easy.
It all started when my little one, Jack, was around two years old. While other kids his age were babbling away, Jack struggled to even say a single word. At first, I thought he was just a late starter, but as time went on, it became clear that something wasn't quite right.
He was diagnosed with DLD, and suddenly, our world turned upside down. As a single mum already struggling to make ends meet, the news hit me like a ton of bricks. I didn't know how I was going to cope, but I knew one thing for sure – I had to be strong for Jack. I hadn’t even heard of DLD, let alone know what to do. I was in a state of panic.
The real challenge, though, wasn't just dealing with Jack's condition – it was dealing with the way people treated us because of it. Living in a housing scheme in Dundee, being different is like having a target on your back. Other parents would almost ignore me and the other kids would whisper behind Jack's back. It was as if we had been identified as different and to be avoided.
It was like we were invisible, trapped in our own little bubble of silence. I could see the longing in Jack's eyes, the frustration of not being able to communicate like the other kids. And it broke my heart every single day. I couldn’t talk to anyone about it because they didn’t understand. I think I was afraid to let my guard down. I knew I was scared about the future for Jack and didn’t know what to do.
It wasn’t all gloom and doom though. Jack may have struggled with words, but his eyes spoke volumes. We developed our own special language – a language of love and understanding that didn't need words to be spoken. That bond you have with your child, it keeps you strong even if it’s stressful at times.
Together, we got over the stares and the whispers, and we created an environment that worked for us. I knew that we could survive the adversity, we just needed to work on it. I had no doubt in my son’s ability to make it through with the right help.
And I did find the right help, in an unexpected place – a family coach. At first, I was hesitant to reach out for help. I thought I could handle everything on my own, but as the weight of the world pressed down on my shoulders, I knew I needed support.
Our family coach became a real lifesaver. With the guidance and support she gave; I began to understand and cope with the complicated world of DLD with a sense of confidence. The coach taught us strategies to help Jack communicate more effectively, from simple sign language to visual aids. The relief I felt I can’t put into words.
But more importantly, she helped us rebuild our shattered confidence. For so long, I had felt like a failure as a mother, unable to give my child the one thing he needed most – a voice. But our family coach showed me that being a good parent isn't about fixing everything, it's about being there, no matter what.
Jack became different. The changes in him were profound. He gained confidence in himself and his abilities, slowly but surely finding his voice in a world that had excluded him. And as his confidence grew, so did mine.
Together, we faced each day with renewed strength and determination, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we had each other. And while the road ahead may still be long and uncertain, I know that I’m in a better place as a mum for Jack, and he is building his language and social communication skills in a way that I couldn’t have imagined even six months ago, he’s found his confidence and is feeling happy.
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