The World Health Organization, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (WHO ICF 2014) framework may be used to describe the following comprehensive set of assessment features for stuttering (Coleman & Yaruss, 2014; Tichenor & Yaruss, 2019; Yaruss, 2007; Yaruss & Quesal, 2004, 2006). The terminology used on this page is based on the WHO ICF framework. Individuals may prefer different designations for stuttering that are more neuroaffirming rather than “impairment.” We suggest goals within the WHO ICF framework because of its wide use and recognition of the importance of function and context.
Brundege et al. (2021), identified six core areas that a consensus of experts determined should be included in an assessment of fluency disorders:
The WHO ICF framework captures the six core consensus areas for assessment.
Examples of specific assessment areas that relate to physiological and psychological function include:
The impact of stuttering or cluttering on the speaker's life. Examples of specific assessment areas that relate to the ability of the person to participate in life activities include:
Personal factors include, per Tichenor & Yaruss (2019)
Environmental factors include, per Tichenor & Yaruss (2019)
Assessment areas within the personal and environmental context framework include the speaker’s internal reactions and the effect of others’ negative responses.
Examples of specific assessment areas include:
Coleman, C., & Yaruss, J. S. (2014). A comprehensive view of stuttering: Implications for assessment and treatment. SIG 16 Perspectives on School-Based Issues, 15(2), 75-80.
Tichenor, S. E., & Yaruss, J. S. (2019). Stuttering as defined byadults who stutter. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 62(12), 4356–4369. https://doi.org/10.1044/2019_JSLHR-19-00137
World Health Organization. (2014). International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Geneva, Switzerland: Author. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/classifications/international-classification-of-functioning-disability-and-health
Yaruss, J. S. (2007). Application of the ICF in fluency disorders. Seminars in Speech and Language, 28(4), 312-322.
Yaruss, J. S., & Quesal, R. W. (2004). Stuttering and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF): An update. Journal of Communication Disorders, 37(1), 35-52.
Yaruss, J. S., & Quesal, R. W. (2006). Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering (OASES): Documenting multiple outcomes in stuttering treatment. Journal of Fluency Disorders, 31(2), 90-115.