Perceived Stigmatization of Children with Speech-Language Impairment and Their Parents

Abstract

<i>Objective:</i> Developmental disorders in childhood are generally assumed to have stigmatizing effects. The goal of the present study was to assess whether parents of children with speech-language impairment perceive stigmatization of their child or themselves and which variables influence the degree of negative labeling. <i>Subjects and Methods:</i> The study was based on 362 questionnaires completed by parents of children with speech-language impairment. The questionnaires concerned perceived stigmatization by other children, other adults and family members as a result of the child’s developmental problems. <i>Results:</i> In our sample, about 50% of the parents reported negative labeling of their child and about 30% felt they were involved in the stigmatizing process. Parents whose children also had behavioral problems more often reported negative labeling than parents whose children did not. <i>Conclusion:</i> The findings suggest that parents of children with speech-language disorders often perceive stigmatization of their children or themselves. In counseling such families, professionals should therefore address stigmatization and its consequences as a separate and important issue.

Specific language impairment in the long-term perspective – the importance of assessment procedures, reading skills, and communicative competence

“…Macharey and von Suchodoletz (2008) examined perceived stigmatization by parents of SLI children as a consequence of the language difficulties in their child. The study focused on stigmatization by other children, other adults, and family members.…”

“…Even when recognized, diagnosed, and treated early, such as at the preschool age, the impact on individuals' lives can still remain significant. We know that negative impacts of SLI overlap the area of language development; SLI is considered to be a general risk factor for literacy development (Durkin & Conti-Ramsden, 2007;Isoaho, Kaupilla, & Launonen, 2016), and difficulties in interpersonal communication affect interpersonal relationships and can very often result in emotional troubles (Macharey & von Suchodoletz, 2008;Puglisi, Cáceres-Assenҫo, Nogueira, & Befi-Lopes, 2016).…”

Questionário sobre dificuldades comunicativas percebidas por pais de crianças do espectro do autismo

“…The questionnaire's form was based on a study (22) about the perception of parents of communication disordered children that included question about stigmatization, prejudice by themselves, other children, other adults and family members. These issues were organized in blocks of questions.…”

“…It is important to mention that in the social aspects were included issues that are relevant to the communicative process as, for example, means; interaction; behavioral, emotional and cognitive issues, as proposed in the literature (22)(23)(24)(25) . These four domains may be understood as two aspects of social relationships.…”

“…The second and fourth domains represent the parents perception about the interaction between their child and society. The second domains places its focus on the society's attitudes towards the child and the fourth domains inverts the focus and consider it from the individual's perspective (22,25) .…”