111. When Language is the Missing Piece: DLD & SWI with Two SLPs, Kathleen Love & Beth Coppoc Gunshor

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) affects approximately 1 in 14 people, yet many educators have never heard of it. So what might DLD actually look like in the classroom? How can we better support students when difficulties with language intersect with dyslexia, ADHD, executive function, reading, spelling, and writing?

Speech-language pathologists, Kathleen Love and Beth Coppoc Gunshor take us for a deep dive into DLD and language-based literacy intervention.

Kathleen and Beth unpack the differences and overlap among DLD, dyslexia, and ADHD, including why a student who appears inattentive or off-task may actually be struggling with the language demands of a task. They also share subtle signs of DLD educators can watch for: from vague vocabulary and word-retrieval difficulties to challenges following directions, understanding complex sentences, and telling cohesive stories.

Then, the conversation turns practical. Kathleen and Beth explore ways educators can manage cognitive load, strengthen vocabulary instruction, and provide the repeated, explicit language experiences students with DLD may need. They also take us inside their intervention practices to show how Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) can extend far beyond spelling – supporting morphology, vocabulary, syntax, semantic networks, executive function, oral language, and even confidence.

Key Takeaways:

DLD definedThe overlap and distinctions among DLD, dyslexia, and ADHDPractical ways to reduce unnecessary cognitive load without reducing the thinkingHow to strengthen vocabulary instruction for students with language difficultiesWhy Structured Word Inquiry can be a powerful tool for building language as well as literacy

Resources Mentioned:

Conifer literacy appDLD and MeOxEd & Assessment / NELIDr. Tiffany Hogan / The Speech and Language (SAiL) Literacy Lab2026 ASHA Convention

Connect with Kathleen Love:

Website: https://conifermatrix.com/Instagram: @conifermatrixConifer Matrix on FacebookWebsite: https://www.raincityreading.com/Instagram: @rain.city.readingRain City Reading on FacebookRain City Reading on YouTubeRain City Reading Newsletter

Connect with Beth Coppoc Gunshor:

Website: http://bcgslp.com/Instagram: @bcgslpBCG SLP on FacebookBCG SLP Shop - T-ShirtsBCG SLP Shop - Stickers