Exploring parental perspectives of childhood speech and language disorders across 10 countries: A pilot qualitative study
Publication Name: Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research
Publication Date: 2021-05-01
Volume: 64
Issue: 5
Page Range: 1739-1747
Description:
Purpose: Although researchers have explored parental perspectives of childhood speech and language disorders, most studies have been conducted in English-speaking countries. Little is known about parental experiences across countries, where procedures of language screening and services for language disorders differ. The authors participated in the COST1 Action network IS1406, “Enhancing Children’s Oral Language Skills Across Europe and Beyond,” which provided an opportunity to conduct cross-country qualitative interviews with parents. The aim of this pilot study was to explore ways in which parents construed and described speech and language disorders across countries. Method: Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with parents from 10 families in 10 different countries. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings: The overall theme was “acknowledging parental expertise.” The parents described, in detail, ways in which their children’s speech and language (dis)abilities had an impact on the children’s everyday life. Three subthemes were identified: impairment, disability, and changes over time. Conclusions: The findings suggest that, across a range of countries, parents demonstrated contextualized understandings of their children’s speech and language (dis)abilities, along with the everyday functional implications of the disorders. Hence, despite not holding professional knowledge about language disorders, the voices, views, understandings, and personal experiences of parents in relation to their child’s disorder should be listened to when planning therapy services.
Open Access: Yes
Authors - 13
Isabel R. Rodriguez-Ortiz
24173762800
Sam Harding
24449379100
Rena Lyons
35559104100
Maja Kelić
55173860800
Kristine M. Jensen de López
56610796600
Inge S. Klatte
57191669250
Marina O. Tomazin
57200194174
Julie Feilberg
57202070120
Sofia Baena
57208779916
Tina C. Mantel
57223948321
Thora S. Ulfsdottir
57223948993
Rama Novogrodsky
6504739642
Krisztina Zajdó
8691353200