A-19 Scale for Children Who Stutter
Susan Andre and Barry Guitar, University of Vermont
Establish rapport with the child, and make sure that he or she is physically comfortable before beginning administration. Explain the task to the child and make sure he or she understands what is required. Some simple directions might be used:
“I am going to ask you some questions. Listen carefully and then tell me what you think."
"Yes or No. There is no right or wrong answer. I just want to know what you think."
To begin the scale, ask the questions in a natural manner. Do not urge the child to respond before he or she is ready, and repeat the question if the child did not hear it or you feel that he or she did not understand it. Do not re-word the question unless you feel it is absolutely necessary, and then write the question you asked under that item.
Circle the answer that corresponds to the child’s response. Be accepting of the child’s response because there is no right or wrong answer. If all the child will say is “I don’t know” even after prompting, record that response next to the question.
For the younger children (kindergarten and first grade), it might be necessary to give a few simple examples to ensure comprehension of the required task:
a. "Are you a boy?" Yes No
b. "Do you have black hair?" Yes No
Similar, obvious questions may be inserted, if necessary, to reassure the examiner that the child is actively cooperating at all times. Adequately praise the child for listening and assure him or her that a good job is being done.
It is important to be familiar with the questions so that they can be read in a natural manner.
The child is given 1 point for each answer that matches those given below. The higher a child’s score, the more probable it is that he or she has developed negative attitudes toward communication. In our study, the mean score of the K through 4th grade stutterers (N = 28) was 9.07 (S.D. = 2.44), and for the 28 matched controls, it was 8.17 (S.D. = 1.80).
Score 1 point for each answer that matches these:
1. Yes
2. Yes
3. No
4. No
5. No
6. Yes
7. No
8. Yes
9. Yes
10. No
11. No
12. No
13. Yes
14. Yes
15. Yes
16. No
17. No
18. Yes
19. Yes
This scale can be found in the book Stuttering: An Integration of Contemporary Therapies by Barry Guitar, Ph.D., and Theodore J. Peters. Purchase book [2] or download a PDF [3].