What is stuttering?
Stuttering, now known as a Fluency Disorder or Disfluency, occurs when a person repeats sounds and repeats syllables when speaking. A person who stutters or has disfluencies has an interruption in the flow their speech. Fluency disorders or stuttering occurs when the smooth coordination of the oral mechanism, speech articulators, and respiration is interrupted.
What is the impact of stuttering on children?
Stuttering or Disfluency does not have a medical impact on a child, but it can have a negative impact in other ways. It can impact a child’s ability to effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas. It also can lead to challenges with self-esteem and confidence.
How do I help my child who stutters?
There are many ways to help your child with stuttering.
1.Speech and Language Therapy
The biggest impact a parent can make is finding help with stuttering therapy or fluency therapy. A speech language pathologist can provide pediatric speech and language therapy to decrease instances of disfluencies or stuttering. A child who stutters is more likely to have fluent speech after participating in stuttering therapy or fluency therapy.
Your therapist may use strategies like:
Stretchy Speech
Slow Speech
Pausing
Easy Start
Controlled Breathing
Restarts
Light Contact or Tapping Sounds
2. Make Changes At Home
Slow Down.
Make sure to give your child the time to finish his or her thoughts and ideas. Do not interrupt them when speaking.
Stay Positive.
Do not make instances of disfluencies a negative experience. Imitating a stutter can have a significant negative emotional impact on a child. It also can increase a child’s stutter.
Identify the Experience.
Instances of stuttering or disfluencies as “bumpy speech.” Make sure the identification is using a calm and reassuring tone. For example, “Oh, I heard your bumpy speech. It is okay. We can make it smooth.”
Provide reassurance.
If your child stutters, remind them that you heard what they said and bumpy speech is okay.
Interested in stuttering therapy for children?
Email thespotwithmskellie@gmail.com to schedule a free screening or consultation.
Want stuttering home practice?
Check out this FREE resource! The target skill will be the fluency strategies your child uses in therapy.
Check out more helpful resources and activities HERE.
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