Sex differences in early language delay and in developmental language disorder.
Anna Maria Chilosi1, Paola Brovedani1, Paola Cipriani1
1IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Pisa, Italy.
Journal of Neuroscience Research
|November 25, 2021
Summary
Sex significantly influences developmental language disorder (DLD), a common neurodevelopmental condition. Understanding sex differences is crucial for improving early DLD diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Genetics and Sex Differences
- Pediatric communication disorders
Background:
- Developmental language disorder (DLD) affects 3-7% of preschoolers, impacting communication and academic/social success.
- Risk factors include male sex, family history, low parental education, and perinatal issues.
- A higher prevalence of DLD in males than females is consistently observed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of biological sex in early language delay and DLD.
- To analyze evidence from epidemiological, twin, family aggregation, and sex chromosome trisomy studies.
- To clarify how sex influences DLD for improved risk identification and clinical management.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological studies on DLD prevalence and sex differences.
- Analysis of twin and family aggregation studies to assess genetic and sex influences.
- Examination of sex chromosome trisomies as a model for genetic-environmental interactions in language disorders.
Main Results:
- Twin and family studies confirm genetic and sex influences on language abilities and disabilities.
- Genetic factors alone do not fully determine language disorder outcomes.
- Sex chromosome trisomies highlight the link between genetic alterations and language impairments.
Conclusions:
- Sex is a significant factor in the development of DLD.
- Interactions between neurobiological and environmental factors, influenced by sex, shape DLD.
- Further understanding of sex's role can enhance early DLD risk assessment and clinical interventions.
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