Spanish researchers evaluated the impact of gender stereotypes on language development, communication and the socio-emotional sphere in children.
- The prevalence of language disorders is estimated at around 7% in the child population, that is to say that one child in 14 suffers from it.
- Simple oral language disorders are articulation disorders, stuttering, speech and language delay.
- Dysphasia is a long-lasting cognitive development disorder. Its treatment is more difficult.
Oral language disorders, which appear in children with normal intelligence, are characterized by the delayed onset of oral language or its slowed or disturbed development. “The difficulties of young patients in expressing themselves and understanding oral language extend to non-linguistic aspects such as cognition, memory, school performance or socio-emotional skills”, said scientists from the Open University of Catalonia and the University of Barcelona (Spain). This is why they demand that biological, psychological and social factors be taken into account in the approach to these disorders.
Communication: what are the most common gender stereotypes?
In recent workthey wanted to critically examine the influence of gender stereotypes on important variables for the study of language disorders, such as linguistic and socio-emotional skills. “These factors can have a negative impact on the detection and assessment of children with language disorders at different stages of their development”, said Nadia Ahufinger, author of the study, in a statement.
To carry it out, the researchers listed the most common clichés concerning language and the affective sphere. Among these stereotypes, we find in particular the fact that “girls have greater communicative and linguistic abilities than boys“, “boys cut off because they know more things than girls“, “girls can only talk in a soft and pleasant way” Or “the boys speak confidently“.
Language disorders may be underdiagnosed in girls
According to the team, research on language disorders has so far overrepresented boys in samples, which may make it difficult to identify or meet the needs of girls.
“Because of this androcentric view, we do not yet know if there is a profile of linguistic, emotional, social and different spheres affected difficulties that could be different between boys and girls with this disorder. This aspect may have a direct impact on the under-diagnosis of girls and on the poor design of the intervention”, pointed out Nadia Ahufinger, who recalled that a methodology taking into account a feminist perspective is necessary.
Another problem pointed out: gender stereotypes can lead families to consider that it is less necessary for girls to consult a professional, because the stereotypes suggest that the girls will not have difficulties.
Language disorders: how to improve the diagnosis in girls?
To improve the detection of language disorders as well as the therapies, the authors recommend that health professionals use protocols that take into account the prejudices in order to diagnose and evaluate the disorders with the family. “It is essential to train pediatricians and healthcare professionals so that they are aware of the warning signs at an early age that may indicate a possible disorder in the future. It is important to work on the integration of protocols shared between speech therapists and health professionals”concluded the team.
