An Investigation of Barriers and Enablers for Genetics in Speech-Language Pathology Explored Through a Case Study of Childhood Apraxia of Speech

Summary by Marianna Lauretta, PhD

Speech-language pathologists are a group of allied health professionals who often provide assessment and treatment for children diagnosed with genetic conditions. However, it has been noted that speech-language pathologists often do not feel confident or comfortable talking about and incorporating genetics into their clinical practice. Our team recently published a paper exploring the barriers and enablers to incorporating genetics in speech-language pathology clinical practice. We interviewed 12 paediatric speech-language pathologists to determine their attitudes and beliefs associated with genetics as it relates to a case study of a child with childhood apraxia of speech. This study identified barriers including lack of confidence, knowledge, and belief about effects on the family. Enablers were also identified, including seeing value in genetic diagnosis and establishing relationships with genetics services. The findings from this study may assist with the development of strategies to support speech-language pathologists to incorporate genetics into future clinical practice.

Lauretta, M.L., Jarmolowicz, A., Amor, D.J., Best, S., Morgan, A.T. (2023) An Investigation of Barriers and Enablers for Genetics in SLP Explored Through a Case Study of CAS. JSHLR https://doi.org/10.1044/2023_JSLHR-22-00714

Summary by Marianna Lauretta, PhD

Speech-language pathologists are a group of allied health professionals who often provide assessment and treatment for children diagnosed with genetic conditions. However, it has been noted that speech-language pathologists often do not feel confident or comfortable talking about and incorporating genetics into their clinical practice. Our team recently published a paper exploring the barriers and enablers to incorporating genetics in speech-language pathology clinical practice. We interviewed 12 paediatric speech-language pathologists to determine their attitudes and beliefs associated with genetics as it relates to a case study of a child with childhood apraxia of speech. This study identified barriers including lack of confidence, knowledge, and belief about effects on the family. Enablers were also identified, including seeing value in genetic diagnosis and establishing relationships with genetics services. The findings from this study may assist with the development of strategies to support speech-language pathologists to incorporate genetics into future clinical practice.

Lauretta, M.L., Jarmolowicz, A., Amor, D.J., Best, S., Morgan, A.T. (2023) An Investigation of Barriers and Enablers for Genetics in SLP Explored Through a Case Study of CAS. JSHLR https://doi.org/10.1044/2023_JSLHR-22-00714



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