Presenter Information
Magdalena DiFazio is a 4th year student in the Rangos School of Health Sciences, Department of Speech-Language Pathology
Dr. Megan Overby is an associate professor in the Rangos School of Health Sciences, Department of Speech-Language Pathology
Abstract
Lateralization errors (LEs) are defined as persistent speech sound errors in which sibilant sounds are distorted due to air flow exiting the mouth laterally, rather than centrally, as result of insufficient lingual pressure against the alveolar ridge and/or teeth. Prevalence of LEs is unknown, and there are no published data on contemporary assessment and treatment challenges. We developed six research questions addressing treatment and prevalence of LEs. Additional information about speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs’) perceptions and practices concerning LEs would facilitate understanding of current practice. Licensed SLPs (N=214, 98.12% female, Xage = 30-39 years) participated in a mixed-methods design online survey with 26 questions. The majority (98.13%) were Non-Hispanic White. Average age was 31-39 years, with 10-20 years of average experience in the field and an average caseload of 20-40 clients. Work settings varied between school, private practice, university clinic, outpatient clinic, and others. We found that the prevalence of LEs on caseloads was on average 1%-3%, though the national prevalence is believed to be slightly higher (1-5%). There was no clear consensus on what age treatment should begin, though 4-5% was selected most. Some (30.81%) clinicians cited 4 semesters as the best duration for therapy, but there was variation in beliefs. Nearly all SLPs (96.71%) agreed that LEs require remediation, possibly because structural and neuromuscular factors were considered major likely causes. The majority (88.27%) of clinicians believed that the public has a negative perception of LEs. There was considerable variation among clinicians regarding the most effective treatments, suggesting disagreement on best practice for lateralization treatment. Most (72.3%) of clinicians believed that LEs should be treated in an individual setting, but small group treatment was not unusual. Based on our results, it is clear that more research on this topic is needed for effective, evidence-based treatment for LEs.
School
Rangos School of Health Sciences
Advisor
Dr. Megan Overby
Submission Type
Poster
Current Beliefs of Speech-Language Pathologists Regarding Lateralization Errors
Lateralization errors (LEs) are defined as persistent speech sound errors in which sibilant sounds are distorted due to air flow exiting the mouth laterally, rather than centrally, as result of insufficient lingual pressure against the alveolar ridge and/or teeth. Prevalence of LEs is unknown, and there are no published data on contemporary assessment and treatment challenges. We developed six research questions addressing treatment and prevalence of LEs. Additional information about speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs’) perceptions and practices concerning LEs would facilitate understanding of current practice. Licensed SLPs (N=214, 98.12% female, Xage = 30-39 years) participated in a mixed-methods design online survey with 26 questions. The majority (98.13%) were Non-Hispanic White. Average age was 31-39 years, with 10-20 years of average experience in the field and an average caseload of 20-40 clients. Work settings varied between school, private practice, university clinic, outpatient clinic, and others. We found that the prevalence of LEs on caseloads was on average 1%-3%, though the national prevalence is believed to be slightly higher (1-5%). There was no clear consensus on what age treatment should begin, though 4-5% was selected most. Some (30.81%) clinicians cited 4 semesters as the best duration for therapy, but there was variation in beliefs. Nearly all SLPs (96.71%) agreed that LEs require remediation, possibly because structural and neuromuscular factors were considered major likely causes. The majority (88.27%) of clinicians believed that the public has a negative perception of LEs. There was considerable variation among clinicians regarding the most effective treatments, suggesting disagreement on best practice for lateralization treatment. Most (72.3%) of clinicians believed that LEs should be treated in an individual setting, but small group treatment was not unusual. Based on our results, it is clear that more research on this topic is needed for effective, evidence-based treatment for LEs.