Perceived Stigmatization of Children with Speech-Language Impairment and Their Parents

Objective: Developmental disorders in childhood are generally
assumed to have stigmatizing effects. The goal of the present study
was to assess whether parents of children with speech-language
impairment perceive stigmatization of their child or themselves and
which variables influence the degree of negative labeling. Subjects
and Methods: The study was based on 362 questionnaires completed by
parents of children with speech-language impairment. The
questionnaires concerned perceived stigmatization by other
children, other adults and family members as a result of the
child's developmental problems. Results: In our sample, about 50%
of the parents reported negative labeling of their child and about
30% felt they were involved in the stigmatizing process. Parents
whose children also had behavioral problems more often reported
negative labeling than parents whose children did not. Conclusion:
The findings suggest that parents of children with speech-language
disorders often perceive stigmatization of their children or
themselves. In counseling such families, professionals should
therefore address stigmatization and its consequences as a separate
and important issue. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel