Parents' beliefs and ideas about children's early speech and language difficulties

This paper reports a qualitative investigation of the ideas and beliefs of parents about their pre-school children's speech and language difficulties. It forms part of a broader study of parental opinions about speech and language difficulties and the speech and language therapy (SLT) intervention they receive. Factors contributing to the development of professional interest in parental views will be reviewed, followed by an outline of the beliefs and ideas expressed by the parents in in-depth interviews. The paper will also discuss parents' views in their wider context and consider implications for SLT practice.