10:08, 27 October 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
In a world that often overlooks invisible disabilities, one mother-daughter duo is proving just how powerful advocacy can be.
Rachel and her teenage daughter Siouxsie are using their voices, creativity, and courage to demand national recognition for Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) – a little-known, lifelong neurodevelopmental condition.
Affecting around 7.6% of the population, DLD makes it difficult for individuals to understand and use spoken language, despite normal intelligence and hearing. It’s 5 times more prevalent than autism and even more prevalent than ADHD, yet few people, including professionals, even know it exists.
But thanks to families speaking up, recognition is slowly improving. Smiley News sat down with Rachel to hear about her and Siouxsie’s journey for DLD to be appropriately recognised and catered for.
Rachel describes her daughter, Siouxsie, as a ‘bright, determined and creative’ teen, who has faced numerous barriers in education due to her DLD. She explains: “She’s capable, but the systems aren’t designed for how she learns. It’s not just about education, it's about being understood, and being given opportunities to shine.”
Rather than stay silent, the family has become a powerful voice in the DLD awareness movement, including attending many public events to share their experience with decision makers.
This October, which also happens to be DLD Awareness Month, the mother and daughter have taken their campaign from Westminster to social media, urging for greater understanding, inclusion, visibility, and support.
This July, Siouxsie spoke directly to the Trustees of Speech and Language UK, sharing her personal experience of living with DLD.
The pair also joined the SEND RIGHTS Rally in Westminster on the 15th of September, part of the Fight For Ordinary campaign, which champions fair access to education for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). In addition, they met with their local MP Victoria Collins, plus the new school’s minister Georgia Gould, to advocate for better educational access and mental health support for children and young people with Speech, Language and Communication Needs. They were supported by SLCN Charity Speech & Language UK
“Siouxsie was incredible,” says Rachel proudly. “She’s found her voice – not in the way society expects, but in a way that’s all her own.”
“It’s about making the invisible visible,” says Rachel. “Most people have never heard of DLD. We want to change that – for Siouxsie, and for the thousands of children, young people and adults like her.”
Alongside direct advocacy, Siouxsie has used art and dance to express herself in ways that she may not be able to verbally. Last year she was asked to design the DLD Awareness Day poster, and did so using textiles, contributing to the international effort to bring visibility to the condition.
“There’s real potential in social media, but we want to do it in a way that feels safe and empowering,” says Rachel. “We’re working on visual storytelling that reflects Siouxsie’s struggles, strengths and experiences.”
While the journey has been challenging, Rachel is determined to focus on the progress – and the hope.
“It’s not about what Siouxsie can’t do. It’s about what she can do – and what she’s already doing to help others,” she says. “She’s raising awareness, she’s influencing policy, and she’s making people think.”
The family’s campaign is a reminder that advocacy doesn’t require a platform – just purpose, persistence, and heart.
As DLD Awareness Month continues, their message is clear: DLD is real, it’s very common, and it deserves recognition, research and appropriate funding..
“We want professionals to understand it, schools and colleges to support it, and children to feel seen and heard,” Rachel says. “No more falling through the cracks.”
To support Siouxsie and Rachel’s powerful advocacy, follow them on Instagram for updates on their journey, Siouxsie’s story, and upcoming appearances.
Want to learn more about Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)? Visit RADLD.org for resources and information.
At Smiley Movement, we elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this post.
RADLD (Raising Awareness for Developmental Language Disorder). This is an international awareness movement and UK‑affiliated campaign working to spotlight DLD, disseminate evidence‑based resources and build a global network of advocates. Find out more.
Speech and Language UK. This charity equips children and families with the skills, tools and advocacy needed so young people facing DLD are not left behind. Learn more here.
AFASIC. A UK‑wide, parent‑led charity that supports children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), with a strong focus on DLD. Support them here.
