Visual Tools for Invisible Children

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is as common as Dyslexia, yet few parents, teachers or psychologists have heard of it. This is alarming given it impacts children’s ability to understand what is being said to them or express themselves verbally. Instead, many children with DLD fall behind in school, and struggle to form lasting social connections. This often results in lifelong struggles with anxiety and low self-esteem. Despite this, there is currently no psychological support tailored specifically for these children’s needs.

My PhD project has involved developing and testing a new psychological support program for parents of children with DLD, called PLUTO. PLUTO takes children through visually engaging and creative activities to help them understand their emotions better; ultimately managing their anxiety and preventing low self-esteem. Parents have found “the use of colours and drawing” enables their children to “take charge” of their emotions and unfamiliar situations, building resilience.

 

Annabel Burnley

Department of Psychology

 

Image Accreditation: Anonymous Participant

 

 

Collaborators

Dr Charlotte Dack; Department of Psychology, Dr Rachael Bedford; Department of Psychology, Dr Michelle St Clair; Department of Psychology, Dr Sam Waldron; Department of Psychology, Dr Yvonne Wren, University of Bristol

 

Category: Health and Wellbeing

Research that is addressing health and wellbeing issues that people face.

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