You’ve probably heard about gender bias in diagnosing language disorder. After all, the topic has been gaining buzz in recent years. What does it mean?
Simply put, gender bias is apparent in diagnosing development language disorders because boys are overrepresented and girls are underrepresented. That sort of imbalance can have long-term implications on the support and services that children receive.
To avoid succumbing to gender stereotypes, it’s important to understand differences in language development between boys and girls, and how these differences are perceived.
Gender Differences with Typical Language Development
Boys and girls typically develop language differently. Research has found that girls generally develop language skills earlier and more rapidly than boys. These natural developmental differences are no cause for concern.
However, since boys tend to naturally develop language at a slower pace, any slower development is more likely to be flagged. Such a tendency can lead to an overdiagnosis of boys with language disorders.
Girls who are struggling with language, on the other hand, might not be flagged because their slower development might be on par with some of the boys in their peer group.
Gender Differences in Children with Language Disorders
Language disorders and treatment differ between boys and girls in a few ways. The prevalence rates differ greatly between gender, but that’s not all. There are also differences in the way language delays and disorders are identified, diagnosed, and treated.
Understanding these differences helps make sure all children receive the appropriate support, regardless of gender.
Prevalence
In children diagnosed with language disorders, the prevalence rates show a significant skew toward boys. The disparity raises questions about whether boys are genuinely more prone to these disorders or if the diagnostic process is influenced by gender stereotypes.
The prevailing assumption that boys are more likely to have language disorders might contribute to a diagnostic bias. That bias in turn leads to more boys being identified, while girls with similar difficulties are missed.
Identification and Diagnosis
The identification and diagnosis of language disorders are not immune to gender bias. Diagnostic criteria and tools may unintentionally favor the identification of disorders in boys, leading to a higher diagnosis rate in this group.
Girls, on the other hand, might be dismissed or misdiagnosed due to subtler presentations of their language difficulties. This diagnostic bias can result in a lack of necessary intervention for girls who need it, potentially leading to more significant issues later in life.
Services
Once diagnosed, the services provided to children with language disorders can also reflect gender bias. Boys are more likely to receive interventions and support services because their needs are more readily recognized.
Girls, on the other hand, might not receive the same level of attention or resources, perpetuating the cycle of underdiagnosis and under-treatment. The disparity in service provision can have long-term impacts on the educational and social development of girls with undiagnosed or untreated language disorders.
Gender Stereotypes Related to Language
Stereotypes and gender myths play their own roles in how language development is perceived and addressed. Societal expectations often dictate that boys are less communicative or expressive, while girls are expected to be more verbal and articulate.
These stereotypes can influence the way parents, educators, and even clinicians view and interpret language development in children. Boys therefore might be more likely to receive attention for language difficulties, while girls are presumed to be developing normally, even when they aren’t.
Alternatives for Improved Diagnosis
To address gender bias in diagnosing language disorders, it is essential to develop more gender-neutral diagnostic tools and criteria. Educating clinicians and educators about the potential for bias can also help reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis.
Increasing awareness among parents and caregivers about the subtler signs of language disorders in girls also can lead to earlier and more accurate identification.
Tailoring interventions to recognize the unique ways in which language disorders might present in different genders can ensure all children receive the support they need.
Language Assessment Tools Help Eliminate Gender Bias
By acknowledging and addressing the influence of gender stereotypes and biases in diagnosing language disorders and delays, we can work towards more equitable identification and treatment of language disorders in both boys and girls.
Ensure equitable diagnosis and treatment of language disorders in all children. Visit WPS to explore comprehensive assessment tools designed to help clinicians recognize and address language disorders without gender bias. Some of these include the (CAPs) Clinical Assessment of Pragmatics, the (PPA Scale) Phonological and Print Awareness Scale, the (OWLS™-II) Oral and Written Language Scales, Second Edition, and the (CASL-2) Comprehensive Assessment of Spoken Language, Second Edition.
