To work for and with pupils with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)

The aim of the present study is to examine how schools organize the work with and for pupils with language disorder. Further, it aims to find which role the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and principal, respectively may have in the work with the pupils and give an insight into what knowledge about Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) personnel in schools have. The background of the study is that knowledge about DLD begins to diffuse at schools in Sweden today, but there is still a great deal of ignorance about what the diagnosis entails and how to work inclusive with these students in the classroom. The study was conducted with a qualitative method, semi-structured interviews with six special needs coordinators and five principals. The theoretical framework consist of Etienne Wenger’s Social theory of learning and the analysis was performed through a thematic content analysis. The results of the study indicate that none of the schools in the study have a particular organization for pupils with DLD. Half of the informants argue that they would like increased collaboration with speech therapists. The collaboration with guardians is another area that needs to improve in the schools. Enterprise in relation to engagement is most prominent in the schools, according to the analysis based on Wenger’s social theory of learning. All informants recognize gaps of knowledge regarding the definition of DLD, and how to work with pupils with the disability. Further education on the subject was requested by all informants