Attitudes about stuttering of education staff working in special education and rehabilitation centers

Stuttering is a fluency disorder characterized by involuntary interruptions that occur during speech. Due to misconceptions and incorrect beliefs about stuttering, society and educators may have negative perceptions and attitudes towards individuals with stuttering. The aim of this research is to reveal the attitudes of education staff working in special education and rehabilitation centers towards individuals with stuttering and stuttering and to compare the response differences between seven occupational groups. The Public Opinion Survey of Human Attributes-Stuttering (POSHA-S) was used as the measurement tool. A total of 464 volunteer educational staff participated in the study. In our study, no significant difference was found in the comparison of the general impressions of education staff about individuals with stuttering and stuttering according to professional group (p>0.05). No significant difference was found in terms of age and gender factors (p>0.05). A significant difference was found in the comparison of positive and negative opinions (p<0.05). A significant difference was found in the examination of the relationship between education personnel's reactions to individuals with physical disabilities and their reactions to individuals with stuttering (p<0.05). In conclusion, education staff working in special education and rehabilitation centers generally exhibit positive attitudes towards individuals with stuttering and stuttering. However, due to a lack of knowledge about individuals with stuttering and stuttering among professional groups other than speech and language therapists, misinformation and negative attitudes are observed. Except for speech and language therapists, other education staff have stated that they can help individuals with stuttering. This situation can lead to incorrect guidance and interventions. Stuttering is seen as a disability similar to physical disability but is not recognized as a disability in our country. It is crucial to consider stuttering as a disability and take steps accordingly, as well as to spread correct information about stuttering and foster positive attitudes.