Academics from a variety of disciplines are busily studying conditions such as specific language impairment. Professionals are involved in evidence-based practice, tackling the realities of helping children with language difficulties and supporting their families. Parents often get together via support groups, get advice via the web, use helplines and voice their concerns about service provision. But one needs to know more. In this article, the author argues that there is still an urgent need to increase public awareness of language impairment.