Artificial Intelligence for Stuttering Assessment and Intervention: Perspectives from Pakistani Speech-Language Pathologists

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into speech-language pathology, yet evidence regarding clinicians' perspectives in developing countries remains limited. This study examined Pakistani Speech-Language Pathologists' (SLPs) perceptions of AI for stuttering assessment and intervention. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 133 practicing SLPs using a validated questionnaire measuring knowledge and awareness, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, clinical effectiveness, ethical concerns, and implementation barriers. Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA were performed. Participants demonstrated moderate knowledge of AI (M = 3.50, SD = 0.90) but reported high perceived usefulness (M = 4.09, SD = 0.80) and clinical effectiveness (M = 4.05, SD = 0.83). Ethical concerns (M = 4.48, SD = 0.64) and implementation barriers (M = 4.13, SD = 0.79) were also strongly endorsed. Gender differences were not statistically significant, whereas perceptions varied significantly across clinical experience groups. The findings highlight the need for professional training, ethical governance, institutional support, and locally relevant AI technologies to facilitate responsible integration of AI into speech-language pathology practice in Pakistan.