Parental involvement in therapy
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What can parents say to their child before the appointment?
A child may or may not show awareness of stuttering. Some children appear oblivious to the stuttering and others seem very aware of it. It is recommended that you prepare your child for their assessment. Parents are advised to think about how they would usually introduce an appointment to their child, and to prepare the child in a similar way to when a child visits a dentist, maternal and child health nurse or even a hairdresser. Your own approach will feel most natural to your child. Explain simply to your child that you will be visiting someone who listens to children’s talking. Some children will be reassured to know that you will be staying with them for the whole visit. You can also show your child a photo of the clinician they will be meeting with, and tell your child their name. Your child’s speech will be assessed during play with a toy, or while they look at a picture book. What can parents do before their child's assessment?1. Bring a few brief videorecordings on your phone of your child's talking, that demonstrates your concern
2. Bring a book or toy that your child enjoys 3. If your child has had a previous assessment and you have a Report, bring that Report to your appointment 4. Try to stay calm. Most parents feel much more reassured after their child's assessment. We understand that you are concerned, and we are here to help. What home practice do we do for therapy programs?
At home, the parent assumes the role of therapist. Parents are taught how to help their child with their therapy program at home. In the beginning, practice occurs with books and games. As stuttering reduces, practice is done more in everyday conversation. Parents are supported to find ways to make home practice interesting and enjoyable. |
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I have made an appointment for a speech assessment. What can I do in the meantime?
Generally before your assessment it is not necessary to do anything. When your child speaks, try to focus on the content rather than on the stuttering. At your assessment if your child is diagnosed with stuttering you will be advised on how to respond. For the best part, just respond normally until your appointment is suggested. If you notice anything about the stuttering, for example any changes in the pattern or frequency; you can discuss this with the Speech Pathologist at the assessment appointment. If you are able to bring to your assessment a 5-10-minute videorecording on your phone of your child speaking to someone at home (as mentioned above), this can be very helpful for your Speech Pathologist.
How do I arrange an appointment?
Appointments are made by ringing our centre on +61 3 9571 5843, or by emailing our Reception team.
Generally before your assessment it is not necessary to do anything. When your child speaks, try to focus on the content rather than on the stuttering. At your assessment if your child is diagnosed with stuttering you will be advised on how to respond. For the best part, just respond normally until your appointment is suggested. If you notice anything about the stuttering, for example any changes in the pattern or frequency; you can discuss this with the Speech Pathologist at the assessment appointment. If you are able to bring to your assessment a 5-10-minute videorecording on your phone of your child speaking to someone at home (as mentioned above), this can be very helpful for your Speech Pathologist.
How do I arrange an appointment?
Appointments are made by ringing our centre on +61 3 9571 5843, or by emailing our Reception team.
