Developmental Screening Disparities for Languages Other than English and Spanish.

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Limited English proficiency (LEP) hinders access to preventive care.
• Children in LEP families face socioeconomic challenges linked to developmental delays.
• Developmental surveillance and screening in non-English/non-Spanish speaking populations are understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare developmental surveillance and screening rates at well-child visits based on preferred parental language.
• To identify disparities in early developmental care for diverse linguistic groups.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 15,320 children (8-40 months) with at least two well-child visits.
• Random selection of 450 children into English, Spanish, and non-English/non-Spanish speaking groups.
• Chart review assessed developmental surveillance, standardized screening tool use, and referral for diagnostic evaluation.

Main Results:

• Children from non-English, non-Spanish speaking families had significantly lower odds of receiving developmental surveillance (OR 0.3) and screening (OR 0.1).
• No significant differences were observed between English and Spanish-speaking groups.
• Referral rates for diagnostic evaluation showed no significant differences, though the study was underpowered for this outcome.

Conclusions:

• Children from families speaking languages other than English and Spanish require improved developmental surveillance and screening.
• Enhanced translation and interpretation services may effectively reduce disparities in developmental care.
• Addressing language barriers is essential for equitable early childhood preventive services.