Browsing by Author "Unicomb, R."

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Parental perceptions of stuttering in children: a systematic review of the literature
(Taylor & Francis, 2022) Nonis, D.; Unicomb, R.; Hewat, S.
ABSTRACT: Parental perceptions towards stuttering and early treatment are vital in the identification and management of stuttering in children. The aims of this paper were to review the studies on parental perceptions towards stuttering and stuttering therapy, identify strengths and gaps in the relevant literature and provide recommendations for future research. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken. Six electronic databases were searched to identify studies that have explored parental perceptions towards stuttering and early treatment of stuttering. The search was limited to peer-reviewed studies, published in English between 1970 and 2019. Data were extracted from the eligible studies and the findings were analysed using a qualitative deductive content analysis approach. Twenty-one studies were included in the review, conducted in nine different countries, with the majority published in the past 10 years. Among them 12 studies have explored parental perceptions of stuttering and 11 have explored parental perceptions of stuttering therapy. Findings showed limited parental knowledge about stuttering and the presence of variable attitudes and reactions towards stuttering. Parental perceptions about stuttering therapy were generally positive. The review highlights the importance of educating parents about causal factors, progression and impact of stuttering as well as the importance of early intervention. The absence of research in countries where speech and language pathology as a profession is emerging, suggests the need to explore parental perceptions towards stuttering which will impact on quality of life of children who stutter.
Parental perceptions towards childhood stuttering in Sri Lanka.
(Elsevier Scientific Publishing, 2022) Nonis, D.; Unicomb, R.; Hewat, S.
Introduction: Parental perceptions towards stuttering is an important consideration as parents play a crucial role in the initial identification and management of stuttering in young children. Although several studies have been conducted on parental perceptions towards childhood stuttering in other countries, little is known about how stuttering is perceived and managed by parents in Sri Lanka. Aims: This study explored Sri Lankan parents' perceptions towards childhood stuttering and their experiences regarding attending speech and language therapy for stuttering. Methodology: Using a qualitative approach, 15 parents of children who stutter were recruited from a stuttering clinic at a state university in Sri Lanka. Parents participated in semi-structured interviews with the first author. The interviews were conducted via telephone in Sinhala language, recorded, transcribed verbatim in Sinhala and then translated into English. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Five themes emerged from the data: (1) limited knowledge about stuttering and management (2) influence of religion and culture on stuttering (3) variable responses to stuttering (4) impact of stuttering on the parent and child (5) impact and engagement in speech therapy. Conclusion: The findings highlighted the need to educate the Sri Lankan public about stuttering as a communication disorder and raise awareness about the profession of speech language therapy in the country. Specifically, it is important for other health professionals and teaching professionals to learn more about stuttering, so that appropriate early referrals can be made for speech and language therapy, lessening the impact on children and their families.
Stuttering management practices in Sri Lanka: A mixed method study
(Elsevier, 2023) Nonis, D.; Unicomb, R.; Hewat, S.
PURPOSE: Speech and language therapy is a growing profession in Sri Lanka, and little is known about how stuttering is currently managed in the country. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the current stuttering management practices in Sri Lanka and to investigate any barriers to service provision. METHOD: A convergent mixed methods design was employed across two phases. Sixty-four Sri Lankan speech and language therapists (SALTs) participated in online surveys in phase one and ten participated in semi structured interviews in phase two. Survey data in phase one was analysed using descriptive statistics and data in phase two was analysed using thematic analysis. Results from both phases were triangulated for the overall interpretation of the data. RESULTS: Sri Lankan SALTs conduct a comprehensive assessment, however some assessment contexts (e.g., stuttering beyond the clinic) were not routinely considered. Speech and language therapists reported using multiple and varied intervention approaches/strategies, which were often adapted and/or combined. It was noted that the delivery of treatment was more challenging. Barriers identified were including limited knowledge of some aspects of stuttering management, limited access to resources, and workplace constraints. CONCLUSION: Overall, findings revealed that most Sri Lankan SALTs employ a comprehensive and holistic approach in assessment; however, some limited knowledge of the disorder and intervention was identified. Findings highlighted the need for further training for SALTs regarding the management of stuttering, the need for culturally and linguistically validated appropriate assessments as well as the need to consider logistical issues in clinical settings and service delivery.