What is the best action for an SLP when a child stutters more severely in the presence of a sibling?

The best action for a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) when a child stutters more severely in the presence of a sibling is to analyze recorded conversations to identify factors affecting stuttering severity. This approach allows the SLP to gather objective data regarding the child's speech patterns in different contexts, particularly interactions with the sibling. By reviewing recordings, the SLP can pinpoint specific situations, conversational dynamics, or emotional triggers that might be contributing to increased stuttering.

Understanding the context in which the stuttering occurs provides valuable insights, enabling the SLP to tailor interventions more effectively. This method is grounded in evidence-based practice, as it relies on direct observations rather than assumptions or anecdotal reports. Furthermore, analyzing recorded conversations permits a detailed assessment of environmental variables affecting the child's speech, which is essential for creating a comprehensive treatment plan.

Other approaches, while well-intentioned, serve a different purpose. Teaching the brother to be supportive might help in some situations but does not address the underlying issues or provide an understanding of the stuttering dynamics. Similarly, engaging in role-playing or devising strategies for limiting communication may not facilitate the child's fluency skills or help the sibling understand and support the child effectively. Therefore, the most strategic and informative course of