Cork twins feature in international campaign to raise awareness of ‘hidden disability’

Cork twins who were diagnosed with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) last year have been featured as part of an international campaign to raise awareness of what is described as a “hidden disability”.

Tommy and Tony Dalton, from Fairhill, have been featured in promotional material for the international campaign for DLD Day 2023, which takes place on Friday.

DLD is a hidden but common disability that affects one in 14 people causing difficulties understanding and using language for no known reason.

Since their diagnosis last year, Tommy and Tony (8) have worked with their mother Neidín to increase public knowledge of the disability.

“I’m so proud of the boys and all they are doing to raise awareness of DLD,” Neidín said, following the news that the twins had been featured in the DLD Day 2023 campaign.

“Last year our story was picked up by The Echo, which must have caught the eye of the international team.

“When we saw that our photo had been chosen in some of the promotional material for the international campaign for 2023 the boys were so excited.

“It’s important for us as a family to raise awareness of DLD to help bring about change in the system and help other families who might feel like there is no help out there.” 

This year’s theme for DLD Day is ‘DLD Around the World’, highlighting that DLD affects people around the world regardless of age, gender, language spoken or ethnicity.

Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (RADLD), the body who coordinate the international event, are advocating for increased recognition and support for people with DLD around the world.

“People with DLD are six times more likely to suffer from anxiety and three times more likely to have clinical depression,” chairperson of RADLD, Stephen Parsons, said.

“They are also at significant risk of struggling with reading, spelling and mathematics.

“Although DLD is a common condition affecting many areas of life, people with DLD are unlikely to receive access to services,” he continued.

#DLDday, now in its seventh year, is celebrated annually around the world with more than 40 countries involved.

In Ireland, over 25 landmarks around the country this year will be shining a light on DLD by lighting up in purple and yellow. In addition, many local events in schools and community centres have also been planned.