Mind the Gap: Language Development is Key for Inclusive Education and Wellbeing Day 2

British Academy/Wellcome Trust Conferences bring together scholars and specialists from around the world to explore themes related to health and wellbeing.
Language skills are crucial to our lifelong wellbeing and educational attainment. However, around 10 per cent of children face language difficulties, either on their own (Developmental Language Disorder) or in tandem with other diagnoses. Autism, learning disabilities, deafness and hearing loss often hinder language development. Growing up with multiple languages may also lead to differences in language development and education challenges. Importantly, language needs are too often not identified, particularly in older children and adolescents. This is due to insufficient knowledge of language development for children in this age bracket, exacerbated by insufficient communication across disciplines and services. As a result of this lack of support, these needs can lead to limited educational fulfilment, behavioural challenges, school dropouts or exclusions, mental health struggles, unemployment, or even involvement with the justice system.
This conference will set the agenda to increase understanding of language development during late childhood and adolescence across populations. By connecting knowledge across disciplines, it aims to raise awareness amongst policy makers and wider society about the urgent need to improve language assessment and support.