TECHNOLOGICAL REHABILITATION OF ADULT STUTTERERS: AWARENESS AND NEED ANALYSIS.

Main Article Content

Hafsa Noreen
Nazia Mumtaz
Ghulam Saqulain

Keywords

Assessment approaches, Combined approach, Digital applications, Developing countries, quality of life, Self-help therapy, speech langauge pathologists, Stuttering

Abstract

Background: There is a high prevalence of stuttering and a dire need of evidence based assessment and management strategies with diverse range of interventions for stuttering with therapeutic intentions in vague.


Aim: To explore awareness of novel technological rehabilitation and current trends in practices of Speech Language Pathologists (SLP) and Psychologists for management of adult stuttering.


Material & Methods: This exploratory qualitative research design with purposive sampling was conducted at Riphah International University from March to August 2021. Study recruited N=12 practicing SLP’s and Psychologists, well versed in English, with MS and/or PhD & minimum of 5 years’ experience. An interview guide was prepared and piloted and final interview guide used for in depth interviews to collect data and thematic analysis was conducted and themes drawn manually.


Results: Study revealed 13 themes including Adult Stutterers Emotional state, Factors effecting stutterers’ speech, causes of stuttering, Secondary symptoms of stuttering, Assessment approach, Therapeutic approach, Contemporary trends of assessment, Contemporary trends of management and Factors effecting prognosis/Outcomes of therapy, Awareness of self-help therapy, Knowledge of digital applications and Need/ suggestions for application development & Content of the applications. Participants were not aware of digital applications and technological rehabilitation, however need of such optimal digital applications was noted and participants suggested that application should be in Urdu Language, with informal assessment and record keeping.

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