Parents' Emotions and Perspectives Regarding Their Children's Speech and Language Disorders

The social stigma experienced by parents of children with speech and language impairments is a significant concern, since it can profoundly affect the welfare and assistance provided to both the parents and their children. This study aimed to investigate the emotions and perspectives of parents regarding their children's speech and language challenges, using a survey methodology.

This is a comparative and descriptive study that includes 376 participants who have a child diagnosed with a speech and language disorder. A survey designed to assess perceived stigma was implemented to accumulate data. A comparison was conducted using Kruskal-Wallis and correlation analysis.

Parents with children with autism experienced the greatest level of perceived stigma, followed by parents of children with Down syndrome. Parents of children with speech sound disorders obtained the lowest scores in terms of perceived stigma. There were no significant differences observed in the education level of parents, therapy duration of their child, age, and perceived stigma scores.

Speech and language therapists must comprehend the stigma that families feel and encounter. To address this stigma, it is crucial to provide parents' options such as self-help groups or activities and resources that promote stigma awareness. Also, speech and language therapists who work with these populations should enhance their understanding of stigma.