A case for genetics education: collaborating with speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Communication Sciences and Disorders

Background:

• Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists (AUDs) are frequently the first professionals parents consult for children with communication and related difficulties.
• Genetic factors significantly contribute to both complex and Mendelian communication disorders, impacting speech, language, hearing, and balance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current integration of genetics into SLP and AUD curricula.
• To identify barriers to genetics education in these fields.
• To propose how SLPs and AUDs can contribute to diagnosing genetic communication disorders.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of genetics in SLP and AUD educational programs.
• Analysis of obstacles to curriculum integration.
• Review of a new genetics education website for health professionals.

Main Results:

• Genetics content is not consistently integrated into SLP and AUD curricula.
• Barriers to integration include curriculum time constraints and lack of faculty expertise.
• A new online resource offers potential for improving genetics knowledge and collaboration.

Conclusions:

• There is a clear need to enhance genetics education for SLPs and AUDs through curricula and continuing education.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration between genetics professionals and communication scientists is essential for improved patient diagnosis and care.
• The developed NCHPEG website serves as a practical model for future interprofessional educational initiatives.