Attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs of Arab speech-language pathologists about stuttering

Abstract

Objectives: The current study assessed the attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs of Arab speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the Middle East using the clinician's attitudes towards stuttering inventory (CATS). The aim was to determine whether the attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions of clinicians would potentially influence service provision, treatment efficacy, as well as the implementation of early intervention. Patients and methods: Sixty-three Arab SLPs were surveyed using the CATS inventory. The survey consists of 50 attitudinal statements, assessing a broad range of beliefs related to the etiology of stuttering, people who stutter (PWS), the effectiveness of stuttering treatment, early intervention, and about their attitudes towards parents of children who stutter. A component in the survey also looked specifically at issues of awareness and knowledge about early intervention for stuttering. Results: The study found the presence of outdated concepts in the attitudes and beliefs of some SLPs towards stuttering and PWS. Although respondents seemed confident in treating PWS, they felt they required guidance from a stuttering specialist. Overall, SLPs believed that the treatment of stuttering is a complex and difficult area. Conclusion: The results highlight the need for education and training programs in the area of stuttering in the Middle East to improve knowledge about the disorder and its treatment.