Online Learning

Friday 18 September 2026, 1.00pm-4.00pm NZST

This event will be RECORDED and the recording will be available for 7 days after the "live" session.

Single registration cost is for each individual, not per site. Zoom will be used to deliver the training with “meeting room” details emailed to participants prior to the event. You will need to download Zoom software to your computer. A webcam and inbuilt microphone on your computer is also preferable so you can fully participate.

Intended Participants

This online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) event is intended for Speech Language Therapists who provide language assessment and/or therapy to children and adolescents.

Readings and Resources

Recommended readings and resources will be shared 1-2 weeks before the event.

Learning Outcomes:

Following this event participants will be able to:

• describe how gender stereotypes influence gender and language development.

• describe how gender stereotypes influence language assessment and therapy.

• adapt existing standardised assessment to accurately assess pronoun use.

• adapt therapy approaches to teach appropriate pronoun use.

• reduce the impact of gender stereotypes on gender and language development of children and adolescents.

Summary of Presentation

The concept of gender has received significant attention in media due to political discussion about trans and gender diverse individuals. There has been strong emphasis on the potential impact and appropriateness of discussing gender with children and adolescents. In speech language therapy, we discuss and teach gender to children and adolescents in our language assessment and therapy. This is unavoidable as English, like many other Indo-European languages, has gendered language. The way Speech Language Therapists assess and teach gendered language has been through gender stereotypes. This can inadvertently make language assessment inaccurate and impact the gender schema of children and adolescents. Participants will learn to how update their clinical practice in language assessment and therapy to ensure inclusive service provision that supports children and adolescents of all backgrounds and beliefs.

About Niall Taylor

Niall Taylor is a Senior Speech Pathologist with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in Western Australia. As part of her role, Niall provides clinical services, training, and lectures on Speech, Language, and Communication Needs to child and adolescent psychiatry trainees with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. In 2025, Niall was on temporary appointment with the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne to further develop and integrate speech pathology services into the Department of Adolescent Medicine Gender Service. Niall has developed significant experience working with gender diverse and gender questioning children and adolescents. She has contributed to the development and understanding of Speech Language Therapy within gender clinics. Niall also works in private practice at www.thenbsp.com.au on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja (Perth metropolitan area).

Contact the host of ONLINE: How to Remove Gender Stereotypes from Clinical Practice