Some people with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) seem to have an exceptional talent for thinking out of the box and creating incredible artworks. Think animator Lily Farrington and author Shelbi Annison. We have had the privilege to collaborate with many talented people with DLD and our most recent work on RADLD’s 2024 #DLDday campaign gave us the opportunity to meet Siouxsie and her mum Rachel, two vibrant women from the UK with a passion for raising awareness of DLD. Siouxsie created the awareness poster by hand stitching fabric, buttons and threads that were then photographed and turned into a digital poster that was distributed globally. The artwork was spectacular, and it got us thinking how can people with DLD tap into their passions. In this episode of The Talking DLD Podcast, we hear about Siouxsie’s process and the things she does to unlock her creativity.
About Siouxsie
Siouxsie is 18 years old and a twin to Riva. Siouxsie was diagnosed with DLD privately when she was 11 years old. She has other diagnoses too, but considers DLD to be her primary need due to it’s huge impact upon all aspects of her life.
Siouxsie is a passionate DLD advocate and uses her art to spread awareness and communicate. She has been a speaker at several events about DLD including UCL and The Wellcome Institute.
She has often felt misunderstood at school and gets very frustrated,
both about this situation and about her struggles to communicate.
She loves dancing, walking and playing with her dog Boo, being in nature, musical theatre – (her favourite show is “Six The Musical” about the wives of King Henry VIII), travelling with her family and trying new foods.
She also enjoys charity shopping and she volunteers in a local charity shop.
She is currently studying Animal Care at a working farm called “Animal Antiks”. Her favourite animals are the ferrets and the Alpacas & Llamas. In the future she would like to study cookery and possibly dance/drama.

- Siouxsie’s instagram details: @mydldlife
- DLDFest/Afasic music video
- The creating of the DLD Day poster video
About Rachel
Rachel is Siouxsie’s (and Riva’s) mum, primary carer and both girls’ advocate. Like Siouxsie, she is also very passionate about raising awareness of DLD, and also about equality and opportunity
for people living with SEND. She has represented the girls several times at the SEND Tribunal.
For 27 years Rachel was a part-time University Lecturer in Textile Art/Design, alongside being a freelance costume stylist and art director in TV promos, advertising, short films and print (editorial).
She is also an artist and has exhibited in London and the North of England.
Rachel enjoys experimenting with fashion, and collecting vintage, kitsch, (often humorous) ornaments and toys, clothing and costume jewellery etc. She immerses herself in all aspects of contemporary culture –
(art & design, comedy, film, dance, theatre, literature etc.).
Rachel also loves travel, dancing, making cocktails, walking Boo and caring for her guinea pigs, Washi and Roscoe.
Sources of information/research/support etc. about DLD & SLCN;