Co-occurring disorders in children who stutter

This study used a mail survey to determine the (a) percentage of children who stutter with co-occurring non-speech disorders, speech disorders, and language disorders, and (b) frequency, length of sessions, and type of treatment services provided for children who stutter with co-occurring disorders. Respondents from a nationwide sample included 1184 speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Of the 2628 children who stuttered, 62.8% had other co-occurring speech disorders, language disorders, or non-speech-language disorders. Articulation disorders (33.5%) and phonology disorders (12.7%) were the most frequently reported co-occurring speech disorders. Only 34.3% of the children who stuttered had co-occurring non-speech-language disorders. Of those children with co-occurring non-speech-language disorders, learning disabilities (15.2%), literacy disorders (8.2%), and attention deficit disorders (ADD) (5.9%) were the most frequently reported. Chi-square analyses revealed that males were more likely to exhibit co-occurring speech disorders than females, especially articulation and phonology. Co-occurring non-speech-language disorders were also significantly higher in males than females. Treatment decisions by SLPs are also discussed.

As a result of this activity, the participant should: (1) have a better understanding of the co-occurring speech disorders, language disorders, and non-speech disorders in children who stutter; (2) identify the speech disorders, language disorders, and non-speech disorders with the highest frequency of occurrence in children who stutter; and (3) be aware of the subgroups of children with co-occurring disorders and their potential impact on assessment and treatment.