Abstract
Differences in language development and function have long been noted between males and females. These are felt to result from the faster maturation rate in females, leading to increased bilateral language function in the brain (Waber, 1976). To test this, we examined language function in two groups with rapid maturation, using the Clinical Evaluation of Language Function. Patients, 5 to 12 years old, with idiopathic precocious puberty (n=12) or congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) (n=14), were tested. We hypothesized that sex hormone exposure might be related to the observed differences, since they emerge in late childhood. Girls with CAH are exposed to androgens and represent a natural cross-over between genetic sex and hormone exposure. The cdmparison score (language processing vs production) was significantly lower in children with androgen exposure, both male and female (p<0.025). No differences were observed between diagnoses, sponsor rank (a measure of socio-economic status), or degree of physical advancement as measured by bone age. On subtest scores, estrogen exposed children scored better in oral directions and word series, while androgen exposed children scored better in confrontation naming accuracy and word associations. These results suggest hormonal exposure affects language development, and that current theories may be overly simple for this complex area.
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Wilson, B., McCardle, P. LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN WITH ADVANCED PHYSICAL MATURATION. Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 185 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00113
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00113