The treatment of co-occurring stuttering and speech sound disorders: A review of current evidence.

What is it about?

Children who stutter are often reported to have a co-occurring diagnosis of speech sound disorder. In this study, we looked at what current knowledge is available to guide speech-language pathologists working with these children. This study provides a summary of current recommendations and guidelines to support this population. Much of this guidance is based on clinical experience and professional opinion, rather than strong scientific evidence. We found that there is very little scientific evidence on the best way to treat both difficulties when they co-occur. This work highlights the need for more research to better guide speech-language pathologists working with these children.

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Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Why is it important?

It is well known that early intervention is vital for children who stutter or have a speech sound disorder in isolation, let alone when the disorders are co-occurring. There is currently limited treatment research available, so therapists often rely on their own experience/s and others' expert opinions. More research will support speech-language pathologists working with this population.