Evidence for the treatment of co-occurring stuttering and speech sound disorders in children: a scoping review

PURPOSE: This review article aimed to provide an overview of the information available to guide speech-language pathologists (SLPs) regarding treatment of co-occurring stuttering and speech sound disorder (SSD) in children aged 0-18 years.

METHOD: Systematic searches of 10 databases, gray literature sources (e.g., textbooks, ProQuest dissertations), and nontraditional sources (e.g., websites, social media) were conducted. The search was limited to sources that were (a) published in 1990 or later, (b) published in English, (c) referenced children (0-18 years old) with co-occurring stuttering and SSDs, and (d) described intervention strategies that targeted either stuttering, SSD, or both disorders concurrently.

RESULTS: Thirty-four items were identified and extracted. This review article highlighted that there is limited empirical research and information/advice for children with co-occurring stuttering and SSD, with six intervention studies, three survey studies, and two qualitative studies identified. Results revealed 23 sources of expert opinions, including book chapters, journal articles, and websites.

CONCLUSIONS: This review article provides a useful summary of information that is available to guide SLPs managing children within this population. While expert opinions and frameworks offer valuable clinical advice, the review article highlighted gaps in the literature, especially a lack of intervention studies involving children with co-occurring stuttering and SSD.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.32408586.