What is Speech and Language Therapy?

If you are concerned that your child is beginning to stammer, you can ask for a referral to Speech and Language Therapy. Find out how to do this in our Making a referral to speech & language therapy article. You can also speak to our Support Hub Advisor about how you can access local support and services. 

A Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) will start with an assessment of your child’s stammer. They will ask some questions about your child’s development and about their stammer to build up a picture of the support your child may need. Following the assessment they will write up a report to share with you, your child’s GP and their school (if applicable).

They will then work with you and your child to formulate goals and implement plans which provide strategies to support your child’s communication, well-being and learning. The type of therapy approach and content of the sessions provided for your child will depend on your child’s age and will vary between service-providers.

Speech and Language Therapists can also work closely with staff at your child’s school, such as with their teacher and the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), to  provide tailored-strategies and support.

Speech and Language Therapists work with children in many environments, including health centres, hospitals, outpatient departments, children’s centres, at school, at home or online.

You can find out more about what Speech and Language Therapists do here.