Advice on Selecting the Right Speech Therapist for Your Child

Choosing the right speech-language pathologist (SLP) is an important step in helping your child develop communication confidence and self-advocacy skills. The right SLP will support your child holistically—addressing not only speech techniques, but also emotional well-being and confidence as a communicator.

This guide will help you understand what to look for in both private therapy and school-based therapy settings.

Private Therapy

When seeking out a private SLP, it is important to consider their training, experience, and perspective on stuttering and communication.

Some SLPs focus on modifying speech behaviors to reduce disfluencies, while others take a more holistic approach that includes emotional support, acceptance, and communication comfort. Both approaches can be valuable depending on your child’s needs. What matters most is finding a therapist who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and a good fit for your family.

Board Certification

Some SLPs hold the designation Board Certified Specialist in Stuttering, Cluttering, and Fluency Disorders (BCS-SCF). This certification recognizes advanced training and clinical expertise in stuttering. However, many highly skilled clinicians do not hold this certification and can still be an excellent match for your child.

Before starting treatment, gather information about the SLP’s education, experience, and approach. You can often find this information online or by speaking with the therapist directly.

Questions to Ask When Choosing an SLP

Use these questions to guide your decision-making process:

1. What is your specific approach to stuttering? Ask about the techniques they use, how sessions are structured, and what influences their approach. Consider whether their style aligns with your child’s personality and goals.

2. Can we meet before starting therapy? A consultation can help you see how your child interacts with the therapist and whether the dynamic feels comfortable and supportive.

3. How do you stay current with stuttering research and therapy methods? Look for therapists who attend continuing education (CE) workshops, conferences, or seminars—such as the NSA Annual Conference.

4. What are your goals for therapy? Ensure that the SLP sets realistic, collaborative goals that acknowledge there is no cure for stuttering, and that therapy focuses on communication, confidence, and self-acceptance.

5. Do you address the whole person? An effective therapist supports not just speech skills, but also emotional well-being. Ask whether the SLP includes self-advocacy, education, and positive identity development in treatment.

School-Based Therapy

If your child receives therapy through the school system, their SLP is often assigned. While you may not be able to choose the school SLP, you can play an active role in creating a supportive therapy experience.

Understanding the Role of School SLPs

Many school-based SLPs are dedicated professionals but may have limited experience with stuttering. Some may focus on fluency-based methods, while others incorporate acceptance and confidence-building strategies. Ask about your school SLP’s experience and how they plan to expand their knowledge if needed.

Encourage them to coordinate therapy with your child’s private SLP, if applicable. Consistency between private and school therapy ensures your child receives the same supportive messages about stuttering. Conflicting approaches can cause confusion or frustration.

Creating a Supportive Environment

The school SLP should work with classroom teachers to create an inclusive learning environment where your child feels comfortable speaking. Teachers can support communication by:

• Allowing extra time to speak

• Avoiding interruptions or corrections

• Valuing participation and ideas over fluency

These actions help build confidence and reduce pressure during speaking tasks.

Open Communication and Collaboration

Collaboration among all involved—parents, SLPs, teachers, and the student—is key to success.

Ask for regular updates and be proactive in communicating about your child’s goals and progress. You can request additional meetings outside of the standard school schedule if needed.

Remember, even if your school SLP does not specialize in stuttering, they are part of a team that wants to see your child succeed. When families, therapists, and educators work together, children thrive both academically and emotionally.

Key Takeaways

• The best SLP for your child is one who listens, collaborates, and empowers.

• Ask about training, experience, and philosophy before beginning therapy.

• Prioritize a therapist who treats stuttering as a communication difference, not something to fix.

• Encourage collaboration between private and school SLPs for consistent, supportive messaging.

• Open communication and trust between all parties create the strongest outcomes.

By considering these factors, you can find a speech-language pathologist who provides effective, compassionate therapy that supports your child’s goals, identity, and confidence as a communicator.

Last Updated: October 2025

Author: National Stuttering Association Marketing & Education Team with contributions from Nicole Kulmaczewski, MS, CCC-SLP, Jacqueline Toscano, SLP.D. CCC-SLP, Caitlin Franchini, MS, CCC-SLP and Megan M. Young, ABD, CCC-SLP