DLD Voices: Setting the research agenda for Developmental Language Disorder in Australia

Purpose: Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is associated with adverse social, academic, and mental health outcomes. The DLD community are the end-point consumers of research, as such, their input into research priorities is invaluable. We took a bottom-up approach to identify and prioritise the research needs of consumers with lived experience of DLD, their families, and supporters.Method: This study employed Q methodology to systematically and inclusively identify and sort participants’ research priorities. Anonymous interest-holders (n=82) were recruited to develop a Q-set of research priorities. Research statements were refined from this Q-set by the Consumer Advisory Group who also drew on findings of a literature review. Finally, results from a nationally distributed Q-sort (n=35) were analysed within each participant group (lived experience and professionals) using Q-Method software.Results: Two main viewpoints on future DLD research priorities in Australia were identified: ‘Environmental support and enabling participation’ and ‘Building the evidence-base’. Conclusion: Community and professional stakeholders prioritise research for DLD which focuses on building communicative environments of people who have DLD and enriching the evidence-base for accurate diagnosis and effective interventions. This work informs the future research agenda for DLD in Australia and internationally.