The Spinnaker Tower will light up purple to raise awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) for International #Dldday later this month.
Developmental Language Disorder is a hidden but common lifelong disability that affects one in 14 people causing difficulties understanding and using language for no known reason.
Amelia, from Sarisbury Green, was diagnosed with DLD when she was six and a half years old, having had support for her language development since she was two.
Her mum, Claire Hoyle said: “When Amelia started school, she barely had any spoken language, and understood very little. We used symbols to help her communicate, but it could be very frustrating for her and for us. It was very difficult at the time, as there wasn’t much information about DLD. We really didn’t know what the future might hold for Amelia.”
Amelia has been one of the lucky ones – with regular support from speech and language services, and has been well supported in school.
Claire explained: “When Amelia was first diagnosed, we never imagined she would be able to attend a mainstream secondary school. But she has proven us wrong. Amelia has such an enthusiasm for life and learning and is now doing well in Year 8 at Brookfield Secondary School.
“She still struggles with many aspects of language, but she perseveres and, with the right support in place, is excelling. Not only that, but she is keen to ensure others know more about DLD and the things that can help.”
Amelia is a Young Ambassador for Afasic, a charity that supports the families of children and young people with speech and language needs, and regularly provides video content for Afasic and for the RADLD campaign.
Amelia wants to raise awareness of DLD, but she said: “I have to try and explain and that’s hard because I have DLD and words are tricky – I couldn’t even say ‘developmental’ for ages!”
She added: “Just because someone has DLD, doesn’t mean they aren’t special in their own way”.
The Spinnaker Tower will turn purple on Friday, October 18.
The picture is Amelia with the Spinnaker Tower last year.
Credit: The Portsmouth News