Stuttering Assessment
Pre-Schoolers, School-Age children, and Teenagers
Does my child need an assessment?
Preschoolers:
Early assessment of stuttering is strongly recommended.
Many children begin to stutter, often between the ages of 2 and 4 years of age. While stuttering can fluctuate and many children stop naturally, it is not possible to predict who will recover or persist with stuttering.
Assessment helps determine the most appropriate next steps—whether therapy is recommended, specific supports are needed, or active monitoring is suitable.
The research shows that the early years provide the best window for effective intervention and opportunity to prevent negative life impacts and consequences of chronic stuttering.
School-age children:
Stuttering may persist or increase in severity during the school years, especially as communication demands increase.
Assessment helps to understand the impact of stuttering on the child and their communication, classroom participation, and social interactions.
Early identification and support can reduce stuttering and help children build confidence, develop effective communication strategies, and manage the emotional and social challenges that may arise.
Teenagers:
Stuttering in the teenage years can significantly impact self-esteem, confidence, and peer interactions.
An assessment can help to understand the teenager’s experience of stuttering and support them in identifying meaningful, personally relevant therapy goals.
Therapy at this stage can reduce stuttering, build communication confidence, and lessen the day-to-day impact of stuttering on social, academic, and emotional wellbeing.
What to expect in an assessment:
A sensitive and age-appropriate approach that takes into account your child’s developmental stage, interests, and communication needs.
A detailed case history to explore the onset and progression of stuttering, child and family responses, and the impact on your child’s daily life.
Up-to-date information on the nature and causes of stuttering, including guidance on how parents can respond both emotionally and practically.
Collection and analysis of speech samples, either during the session or through recordings provided from home.
A clear discussion of the assessment findings, including practical next steps and treatment options tailored to your child’s needs and goals.
A written report summarising the results of the assessment.
If you would like to learn more about the assessment process or discuss whether an assessment is right for your child, please get in touch.
