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Semin Speech Lang
DOI: 10.1055/a-2742-1507
Research Article: Adult

Awareness of Ableism in the Context of Stuttering Among Speech-Language Pathologists in India

Authors

  • Ashisha P. Prasad

    1   School of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Katraj, Pune, Maharashtra, India

  • Pallavi Kelkar 

    1   School of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Katraj, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Abstract

Objective

The purpose of the study was to explore the awareness of ableism in the context of stuttering among speech language pathologists (SLPs) in India.

Method

Eighty SLPs were asked to explain the concept of ableism in their own words. Following this, a hypothetical conversational transcript between an SLP and a person who stutters was given to participants along with a response sheet. For each of 20 marked statements in the transcript, the respondents decided whether the statement made by the SLP tended toward being ableist or affirming.

Result

Only three SLPs were aware of the term ableism; six SLPs thought they were aware of the term but could not define it correctly. Thirty-two SLPs scored lower than 50% on the second task that involved the classification of statements as relatively more ableist or more affirming. Only one SLP achieved a full score of 20 on the second task. Responses to individual statements revealed insights for future training programs for SLPs on ableism in the context of stuttering.

Conclusion

Findings suggest a need to improve SLPs' understanding and implementation of affirming attitudes toward neurodiversity in the management of stuttering.

Keywords

stuttering - ableism - speech language pathologists - India


Publication History

Received: 21 January 2025

Accepted: 10 November 2025

Article published online:
19 December 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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