Features of culturally and linguistically relevant speech-language assessments for Indigenous children: A scoping review.

Abstract

Introduction: Indigenous children may be at higher risk of being misdiagnosed with speech-language difficulties due to Eurocentric practices in health care and education. The use of conventional speech pathology assessment practices contributes to inappropriate disorder identification, further stigmatising a vulnerable population. Few resources are available for speech pathologists, which examine the cultural and linguistic relevance of assessments for this population.

Objective: To provide important features for speech pathologists to account for when building assessment plans for Indigenous children.

Design: This comprehensive scoping literature review was completed using the Arksey and O'Malley 6-step methodological framework, including the optional consultation exercise, and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. To be included, studies needed to have been published since 2000, discuss speech-language assessments and involve a significant proportion of Indigenous participants under 7 years old.

Findings: Three features were extracted from 32 studies that discussed First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Native American, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: using a battery of resources including alternative approaches, ensuring authenticity and cultural relevance, and considering a child's linguistic characteristics.

Conclusion: While there remains a need to adapt according to a specific child's reality, this study provides a guideline for all allied health clinicians when they are building their culturally and linguistically relevant assessment plans.