The Experience of Parents of Children with Communication Difficulties who are Receiving Speech and Language Therapy at Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College
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Date
2024-07
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Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background
Communication difficulties involving speech and language disorders can significantly impact
an individual's ability to effectively communicate. Fortunately, speech and language therapy
offers effective solutions to help improve communication and language skills. Parental
involvement plays a crucial role in supporting children with communication difficulties by
working collaboratively with speech therapists to create tailored treatment plans, provide
necessary supports and accommodations in the therapy process.
Objective
This study aimed to explore the experiences of parents whose children were receiving speech
and language services at Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College.
Methods
Applying a qualitative phenomenological design, the research involved interviews and
observations to collect data from ten parents of children with communication challenges.
Results
The study highlighted the emotional impact on families as they navigated the journey of
recognizing their children's communication difficulties and challenges that parents faced,
including scheduling conflicts, managing children's negative reactions during therapy, and
consistently applying therapeutic strategies at home. The study also depicted effective
strategies employed by parents, such as open communication and close collaborations,
adapting therapy techniques, integrating play and everyday activities into therapy, respecting
cultural values, and promoting positive outcomes. The identified parental efforts were aimed
at helping their children develop effective communication skills, gain confidence in social
and academic contexts, and foster their growth into independent individuals.
Conclusion
The study underscored the role of engaged and supportive parents in navigating emotions,
overcoming challenges, and employing effective strategies to facilitate the success of speech
and language therapy for their children with communication difficulties, ultimately helping
them develop essential communication skills.
Recommendations
Speech therapy services should strive to actively engage parents, encouraging them to seek
professional help and specialized therapy services for their children's communication
challenges to maximize the benefits of speech therapy interventions for their children.
Keywords: Communication difficulty, Speech and language therapy, Parental experience,
collaboration, speech therapist, parental aspiration
Description
Keywords
Communication difficulty, Speech and language therapy, Parental experience, collaboration, speech therapist, parental aspiration