The ratio of males to females with literacy/learning disabilities: A survey of child and adult referrals

Abstract

While common opinion has been that the ratio of males to females with a learning disability is approximately 3 to 1, this opinion has been recently challenged. Surveys of children referred for assistance find more males than females, but surveys using research criteria to identify children rather than using referrals, have found almost equal numbers of males and females. It has been claimed that the difference in estimates is due to the fact that associated school behaviour problems in boys are more likely to lead to frequent identification and referral. This study found a male‐female ratio of 2.2:1 for child referrals which were mainly school initiated and a ratio of 1.2:1 for adult referrals which were mainly self initiated.