Research from Dr Kate Bridgman and Dr Shane Erickson explores how speech pathologists work with people who stutter, and the factors that shape effective therapy.
“Speech pathologists help adolescents and adults who stutter to manage their fluency and reduce the negative effects stuttering can have on their lives,” explains Dr Bridgman.
Based on interviews with Australian speech pathologists, the study identified four key themes around practice, confidence and what helps or hinders stuttering treatment.
Clinicians described managing stuttering as complex, with important differences between working with adolescents and adults. Confidence often grew with experience and professional development, but this could create tension between evidence‑based approaches and clinical judgement.
“Assessment, goal setting and intervention were highly individualised, with the most effective therapy guided by the client,” Dr Bridgman adds. “However, some speech pathologists choose not to work in this area due to limited training or the perceived complexity of stuttering.”
Dr Erickson says the findings highlight an opportunity to strengthen education and professional support for speech pathologists.
The research will inform the stuttering curriculum in La Trobe’s Master of Speech Pathology and Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) programs and national professional development initiatives.
