Development of Communication Guidelines for Stutterers

Abstract

To explore the current effective intervention practices for stuttering in Pakistan. The design is qualitative exploratory. A phenomenological qualitative design was used to investigate the lived experience and expert views of SLPs. Five practitioners with a minimum of five years of clinical practice in fluency disorders were identified by purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were used to capture rich data for communication problems, therapy approaches, and key ingredients for guideline development. Interviews were audio-recorded, verbatim transcribed, and analyzed according to Braun and Clarke's six step thematic analysis procedure to produce recurring patterns and key themes. The five key themes found in the analysis were: (1) Communication Challenges, including social, academic, and vocational difficulties; (2) Types of Errors, for example repetitions, blocks, and prolongations; (3) Therapy and Treatment Approaches, highlighting the importance of fluency shaping and counselling; (4) Individual Differences, with emphasis on motivation and home environment; and (5) Expert Views, calling for the creation of self-help, parent, and awareness-based guideline sections. The research generated an evidence-based model of communication recommendations specific to Pakistani stutterers, with a focus on individualized therapy, psychosocial support, and cultural sensitivity. The guidelines could improve the fluency of communication, self-esteem, and social integration of people who stutter.