A scoping review of developmental language disorder in Sub-Saharan Africa: Considerations in assessment,diagnosis,and management

Abstract

This scoping review investigates the current landscape of developmental language disorders research within Sub-Sahara Africa, specifically examining challenges related to assessment, diagnosis, and management. A comprehensive literature search across three electronic databases yielded 20 relevant articles, primarily from South Africa and Nigeria. The review reveals substantial gaps and complexities in understanding developmental language disorder in Africa, influenced by factors such as limited awareness, cultural and linguistic diversity, and the profound impact of religious and cultural beliefs. Key findings highlight the scarcity of culturally and linguistically appropriate assessment tools, potentially leading to misdiagnosis, underdiagnosis, or overdiagnosis of developmental language disorder in African children. The multilingual nature of African societies and a lack of culturally informed frameworks exacerbate diagnostic challenges, making it difficult to distinguish between language differences and disorders. Management is further constrained by a dearth of trained professionals, low prioritization of speech-language therapy services, financial barriers, and limited public awareness. These factors hinder timely identification and effective interventions for children with developmental language disorders. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the pressing need for culturally relevant approaches to addressing developmental language disorder in Africa and other linguistically diverse settings. This includes advocating for community-based interventions and enhancing the capacity of local professionals. The review underscores the urgency of future research efforts to establish prevalence rates, validate assessment tools, and develop culturally appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies tailored to diverse linguistic and cultural contexts across Africa. These findings carry significant clinical implications for speech-language pathologists globally, stressing the importance of adopting culturally responsive practices and continuous professional development to effectively navigate the unique challenges associated with developmental language disorder in people from different regions.