Assessment and Treatment Therapies of Stammering used by Speech-Language Pathologists, A cross sectional study

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to find out the assessment and treatment practices of stammering among Speech-Language Pathologists in Lahore. It was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected from 207 speech-language therapists working in clinics, tertiary care hospitals, and special education settings in Lahore. A self-structured questionnaire consisted of different statements regarding assessment and treatment practices of stammering. Data was statistically analyzed in SPSS. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic information while the chi-square test was used for comparison between assessment & treatment practices of stammering and their qualification. Results indicated that speech-language therapists were using observations and recordings of the clients’ speech during different social settings. Formal and informal assessment of secondary behaviors caused fear of speech as assessment protocols for stammering while fluency shaping and use of reduction in oral vocal muscular tension at the time of speech as treatment methods for stammering. It was concluded that observation of a client’s speech and fluency shaping are assessment and treatment methods used by speech-language therapists and these played a very important role in the management of stammering among individuals who stammer