We offer assessments for children of all ages. We recommend that children who begin to stutter are assessed as soon as possible. Parents should not wait until their child is older, has been stuttering for longer, or is aware of their stuttering. Therapy is most enjoyable and effective when it is provided to preschool children. However, there are still enjoyable and effective therapies for primary school-aged children. Parents often find a lot of information online about what to do when their child starts to stutter, but unfortunately, it is not always evidence-based.
Before you attend your first appointment at our clinic, we suggest you prepare your child for that visit in a way that feels natural for you. Consider how you prepare your child for seeing their doctor, nurse, or hairdresser. You may explain to your child that together with you, they will meet a person who will listen to their talking, and will play some games with them. You may also wish to show your child a photo of the clinician and tell them the clinician’s name.
The Assessment will involve:
- A supportive environment where you can speak about your child’s stuttering and your concerns
- Reassurance and support for your family
- Sharing of information about your child’s development and stuttering history
- Learning if others have reacted to your child’s stuttering and if your child is aware of their stuttering
- Obtaining education on stuttering and what causes it
- Observation of your child’s stuttering
- Reviewing videos of your child stuttering (if you bring these)
- Reviewing NDIS reports and past speech pathology reports (if you bring these)
- Collaborating on a plan for the next steps
- Recommendations on how to respond when your child stutters
For preschool children, most time in the session will be spent speaking with you.
Your child may or may not stutter during the Assessment. That is common because stuttering fluctuates. We will still be able to learn about your child’s stuttering – its history, progression, severity and frequency – from your description.
We offer assessment of young children at our Telehealth Clinic and our Melbourne Clinic. During telehealth assessments we will mostly observe your child speaking to you in conversation, or as you both look at a book or game.
If you wish to learn more about our clinics, please click here.