Issues in Assessment of Children Who Stutter: A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists in the State of North Carolina

Abstract

To survey school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the state of North Carolina (NC) to examine management practices primarily related to their work with children who stutter (CWS) and to identify factors that influence their assessment approaches. Methods: Data were obtained from a statewide survey of school-based SLPs in NC. SLPs responded to questions pertaining to their experience, confidence, and approaches to management of CWS. The data analysis approach for this project was primarily descriptive, while Chi-square tests of independence were used for comparing categorical variables. Results: Four hundred forty-four SLPs, with an average of 16.1 years of experience, participated in the project. Fifty-seven percent of the sample reported being extremely confident in the screening process for CWS, 47% were extremely confident in evaluating CWS, but only 14% were extremely confident in treating CWS. The Stuttering Severity Instrument (SSI) is the most commonly utilized tool for evaluations. Seventy-nine percent of the respondents evaluate for the presence of covert behaviors, and 81% of the sample requires the presence of overt stuttering behaviors in order to recommend treatment for stuttering. Conclusions: Data from this survey revealed that many SLPs in this sample lack, to some degree, confidence in managing CWS, which has direct clinical implications. These results suggest a need to understand the reasons behind this lack of confidence and a need to continue working towards a more comprehensive understanding of the disorder in its entirety. Doing so will ultimately contribute to enhanced management practices and improved outcomes in CWS.

Speech Therapy and Earnings: Economic Benefits for Individuals Who Stutter

“…48,49 Specifically, in the sample utilized by Briley, results indicated that when working with PWS, a portion of the SLPs gave no consideration to the unobservable behaviors (e.g., anticipation of stuttering, social anxiety) associated with stuttering, and for those who did, most did not give the unobservable behaviors equal consideration as the observable behaviors. 49 In these situations, even if the therapeutic experience was regarded as somewhat positive, the management approach did not include the disorder of stuttering in its entirety. Since the data utilized here do not offer detailed information regarding the quality, type, or frequency of services provided by the SLP, it is not possible to determine what aspects of the interaction with the SLPs could have played a role in the determination of their income.…”

“…In view of evidence of an overall lack of knowledge and confidence in SLPs' ability and proficiency in evaluating and treating PWS, the current findings may come as somewhat of a surprise. 48 49 Specifically, in the sample utilized by Briley, results indicated that when working with PWS, a portion of the SLPs gave no consideration to the unobservable behaviors (e.g., anticipation of stuttering, social anxiety) associated with stuttering, and for those who did, most did not give the unobservable behaviors equal consideration as the observable behaviors. 49 In these situations, even if the therapeutic experience was regarded as somewhat positive, the management approach did not include the disorder of stuttering in its entirety.…”

“…While it is logical that therapeutic approaches would have drastically improved over the past decade, relatively recent findings would suggest otherwise. 49 Second, the receipt of SLP services is likely correlated to an individual's insurance status which makes it feasible for them to visit a clinician. However, for most Americans, health insurance is provided through an employer.…”

Provision of Maintenance Therapy for People Who Stutter Via Telepractice

“…As a result, accessibility of an SLP does not necessarily translate to comprehensive care. Contributing to this outcome is an overall lack of confidence in the management of stuttering [29][30][31] and limited knowl-edge of the disorder [32,33]. When such circumstances persist, potential consequences for PWS residing in these areas include care that is less frequent, less specialized, or no care at all; the latter of which would result in an untreated communication disorder.…”

Neuroplastic Control of Developmental Stutter via the Frontal Aslant Tract: Past, Present, and Future

“…and Language professionals in the management of DS vary greatly based on training, experience, and theoretical/philosophical beliefs about its cause [11].…”