Association Stresses Simple Steps That the
Public Can Take to Help Mitigate Stigmatization of People With
Hearing, Speech, and Language Difficulties
ROCKVILLE, Md., May 1, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Sixty-five percent of people ages 18 years and
older with hearing, speech, and/or language disorders say that they
encounter stigmas, according to a new national
poll commissioned by the American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association (ASHA) and conducted by YouGov. The results are
being released as National Speech-Language-Hearing
Month begins today.
Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9232152-asha-national-poll-reports-most-adults-with-communication-disorders-face-stigmas/
The following experiences were among those reported by 65% of
poll respondents:
- feeling like an outcast and feeling judged
- being viewed as less intelligent
- left unrecognized for their achievements
- being labeled, bullied, or treated with condescension
Conducted in late February, the poll had a sample size of 1,004
adults with hearing, speech, or language difficulties.
Millions of Americans have communication disorders. They include
approximately 2 million who have aphasia, more than 3 million who
stutter, and approximately 38 million who have some trouble
hearing. Although these disorders can make communication more
challenging, they do not reflect a person's intelligence. Many
people develop or acquire problems in adulthood for a variety of
reasons—including stroke, brain injuries, neurodegenerative
diseases, and/or as part of aging. ASHA chose to poll adults
because information about the stigmatization that they experience
is not as available as it is for children.
"It is most fitting that we spotlight stigmas associated with
communication disorders for National
Speech-Language-Hearing Month," said ASHA President
Tena L. McNamara, AuD, CCC-A/SLP.
"Stigmas are completely unacceptable and generally the result of
misinformation and misunderstanding. By listening and learning
more, and challenging stereotypes, all of us can help create a more
inclusive environment that elevates the quality of life for people
with communication difficulties. According to the people we polled,
giving them adequate time to communicate and not making assumptions
about them—small but effective steps—would stand to improve their
lives significantly."
A 21-year-old poll respondent wrote, "I wish people knew that,
in moments when my speech or language difficulties become apparent,
understanding and patience mean a lot." A 53-year-old person wanted
people to understand "that I'm not stupid. I just have trouble
hearing if more than one person is talking at the same time." For
another respondent, age 61, "every little bit of acknowledgment
goes a long way."
And the public can provide such help, the polling suggests—in
numerous settings. More than 80% of the people polled said that
their communication difficulties impact their lives; almost half
reported that important relationships are being affected; and 67%
reported the same for their daily interactions with people outside
of immediate loved ones. Nearly 60% said that social gatherings and
events can be stressful, and an equivalent number wished that other
people were more willing to accommodate individuals with
communication difficulties.
The poll results also indicate that more public education is
needed about treatment options. More than half of those with
hearing, speech, and/or language difficulties reported that they
did not have enough information about treatment options.
"Educating the public is much needed," ASHA President McNamara
said, citing ASHA's Myths About Stuttering toolkit as one
example of an educational tool to use—as well as the efforts of a
new coalition of organizations, including ASHA, that are working
together to raise awareness about stuttering. McNamara strongly
encourages visiting https://www.asha.org/public/ for
information and resources like ProFind, a directory of
certified audiologists and speech-language pathologists by
geographic location.
For more information, read this full report about the
polling.
Polling Methodology: All figures, unless otherwise
stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,004 U.S.
adults ages 18+ years with hearing, speech, and/or language
difficulties. Fieldwork was undertaken between February 21 and February 26, 2024. The
survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and
are representative of U.S. adults ages 18+ years with hearing,
speech, and/or language difficulties.
CONTACT:
Joseph Cerquone
301-296-8732
JCerquone@asha.org
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SOURCE American Speech-Language-Hearing Association