DLD and Multilingual Learners with Johanne Paradis

In Episode 8 of The Social Learning Road Trip Podcast, Tara Ross and Kristen Smith explore Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) through the important lens of multilingualism with guest expert Dr. Joanne Paradis. A leading researcher in bilingual language development, Dr. Paradis shares practical, research‑based insights to help educators and families better understand how to support multilingual children.This episode tackles a common concern: how to tell the difference between a language difference and a language disorder when a child is learning English as an additional language. Dr. Paradis explains why looking at early language milestones, gathering family history, and using dynamic assessment approaches are key—while cautioning against relying solely on standardized tests designed for monolingual learners.Listeners will also learn about patterns to watch for in multilingual learners with DLD, including persistent difficulties with verb morphology, and why no single “red flag” tells the whole story. The conversation highlights the importance of considering cultural, linguistic, and experiential factors—particularly for children from immigrant or refugee backgrounds.A powerful focus of the episode is the value of maintaining a child’s heritage language. Dr. Paradis dispels the myth that bilingualism worsens language difficulties, emphasizing that strong skills in a first language can support English development, strengthen family relationships, and promote identity and well‑being.The episode closes with practical, everyday strategies for supporting multilingual children with DLD, from creating language‑rich interactions during play to incorporating storytelling, conversation, and culturally meaningful activities in both home and school environments.Whether you’re a parent, educator, or clinician, this episode offers reassurance, clarity, and actionable ideas to better support multilingual learners with diverse language profiles.