For New Zealand psychologists, understand the broader scope of stuttering treatment beyond speech therapy. Speech therapist Tanya Lowenstein shares insights on integrating with play therapists, psychologists, and occupational therapists to provide comprehensive care for children who stutter and their families. This article emphasizes the vital role of timely and correct referrals within New Zealand's healthcare system, empowering professionals to ensure children receive the best possible support for their developmental needs.
Stuttering is generally viewed as a conversational disorder, treated only by speech therapists but is there a role for other members of the multidisciplinary team? Speech Therapist, Tanya Lowenstein shares her experience of treating children who stutter in conjunction with play therapists, psychologists and occupational therapists. Children and their parents should always be the focus of all therapeutic intervention which may include making the correct referral. As an occupational therapist, it was important to be reminded of the responsibility we have as healthcare workers to refer our patients to any services they may need in order to improve their abilities in whatever area it is that they are struggling as soon as it falls outside of our scope. If you are interested in Tanya's detailed discussion about the assessment and treatment of stuttering, you can check it out here. - Tegan
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