Australian speech-language pathologists’ experiences and perceptions of working with children who stutter: A qualitative study

Purpose: Effective early intervention is recommended to ameliorate the potential long term negative effects of stuttering. Efficacious treatments are available, but speech-language pathologists (SLPs) report finding implementation to be challenging due to a range of clinician, client and clinical context factors. Previous survey-based research has found that SLPs lack self-efficacy working with CWS, however the reasons contributing to this are not well understood. This study presents the first in-depth analysis of the current practices and perceptions of SLPs working with children who stutter (CWS). 

Methods: In this qualitative study 18 Australian SLPs who provide services to CWS were interviewed using a semi-structured interview approach. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. 

Results: The thematic analysis identified four themes: (1) A stronger sense of self-efficacy is needed in stuttering management compared to other areas of clinical practice; 2) SLPs’ sense of self-efficacy in stuttering management is influenced by early career experiences, client factors and the practice context; 3) Professional development and collaboration strengthen self-efficacy; and 4) Parental involvement and engagement are crucial to treatment success. 

Conclusion: SLP self-efficacy for working with CWS appears a critical factor in the provision of effective management for this population. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the role of SLP self-efficacy and the factors that influence it.