ABSTRACT
Intervention for children with developmental language disorder (DLD) has a long-standing tradition in Germany originating in the domains of medicine, psychology and educational theory. Data on the prevalence of DLD in Germany are mostly based on small local or regional assessments and are heterogeneous depending on the definition and the methods used. In Germany, health insurance is part of the social security system along with unemployment insurance, annuity insurance, long-term care insurance and statutory accident insurance. Early communication skills and language development in children are screened during the regular health check-ups performed by paediatricians. National initiatives for facilitating language within the educational settings and the common practice of referring children with language difficulties to Speech and language therapys led to nationwide confusion and discussion, as to the responsibilities of the educational system and the health system. Approaches and methods of intervention for children with DLD are developed and implemented in close compliance with the international literature.
