Evaluating the treatment of co-occurring stuttering and speech sound disorder

Purpose: Previous literature has explored parents’ perceptions of their involvement in treatment for stuttering and/or speech sound disorder (SSD) in isolation. However, no studies have documented these perceptions when children have co-occurring disorders. The aim of this study was to explore parents’ experiences of their involvement in their children’s treatment for co-occurring stuttering and SSD.
Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four parents whose children had undergone concurrent, direct treatment for co-occurring stuttering and SSD in a previous research trial. Interviews were conducted around 40 months since entry into the original trial. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: Thematic analysis identified three core themes. The data revealed important clinical considerations; including provision of accessible information and support to parents around their roles in treatment, and barriers and facilitators to this form of service delivery. Identified facilitators included structured clinic and home sessions, tangible reward systems, and parental/child motivation.
Conclusion: Parents’ experiences were largely positive, and evaluation of caregiver perspectives allows more holistic investigation of treatment approaches.