What this tool does

Speech and language therapy covers a wide range of approaches, from NHS community services to private practitioners and specialist programmes for specific conditions like stammering, apraxia, or aphasia after a stroke. This tool helps you work out which types of therapy might suit the difficulty you or someone you care for is experiencing, so you know what to ask about before booking an appointment.

You describe the issue in your own words, and we point you towards the treatment options that are commonly used in the UK for that kind of problem, with a short explanation of what each one actually involves.

Who it is for

It is aimed at parents worried about a child's speech development, adults who have noticed changes in their own voice or fluency, and people supporting a family member after a stroke, brain injury, or diagnosis such as Parkinson's or dementia. It is also useful if you have already seen a speech and language therapist but want to understand the options they mentioned, or compare NHS waiting list provision with what is available privately.

It is not a diagnosis and it will not replace an assessment by a qualified therapist. Think of it as a starting point that helps you ask better questions and feel less lost when you are given a list of recommendations.

How it works

You answer a few short questions about the speech or language issue, including who it affects, how long it has been going on, and any diagnosis already given. The tool then produces a plain English summary of the therapy approaches that may be relevant, along with notes on how to access them in the UK. It takes roughly two minutes, nothing you type is stored, and you can print or save the summary to take to your GP or therapist.