What is stuttering?
Stuttering (or dysfluent speech) is a communication disorder in which the flow of speech is broken by repetitions (li-li-like this), prolongations (lllllike this), or blocks (abnormal silent pauses) of sounds and syllables. There may also be unusual facial and body movements associated with the effort to speak.
Should I be worried?
Most children and adults produce brief disfluencies from time to time. For instance, some words are repeated and others are preceded by "um" or "uh." Dysfluencies are not necessarily a problem; however, they can impede communication when a person produces too many of them.
In young children, dysfluent speech is a normal phase that most go through; however, for some the stuttering continues. Although there is some disagreement among SLPs about which risk factors are most important to consider, factors that are noted by many specialists include:
No single factor can be used to predict whether a child will continue to stutter. The combination of these factors can help SLPs determine whether treatment is indicated.
You can help your child develop smoother, fluent speech:
1) Provide a relaxed speaking environment: Never pressure your child to speak. Pause before answering questions so
that he/she learns that we, too take our time speaking. This let's your child know it's okay to not begin speaking
until he/she know what they're are going to say.
2) Model slow, smooth, and relaxed way of speaking for your child. (Think "Mr. Rogers, not Robin Williams"). Speaking
this way encourages children to imitate smooth speaking.
3) Listen and respond to what your child has to say, not how he/she says it.
4) Give undivided attention to your child as he/she speaks. If you cannot listen at the moment he/she wants to talk,
encourage your child to wait for a short time so he/she may speak with you when you are better able to give your full
attention.
5) Encourage and praise a slower, smoother manner of talking. Don't point out blocks, prolongations or repetitions.
Please check out the Links page for online activities.
Information adapted from www.stutteringhelp.org/, http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/stuttering.htm
http://talbotslp.webs.com/parenttips.htm
Stuttering (or dysfluent speech) is a communication disorder in which the flow of speech is broken by repetitions (li-li-like this), prolongations (lllllike this), or blocks (abnormal silent pauses) of sounds and syllables. There may also be unusual facial and body movements associated with the effort to speak.
Should I be worried?
Most children and adults produce brief disfluencies from time to time. For instance, some words are repeated and others are preceded by "um" or "uh." Dysfluencies are not necessarily a problem; however, they can impede communication when a person produces too many of them.
In young children, dysfluent speech is a normal phase that most go through; however, for some the stuttering continues. Although there is some disagreement among SLPs about which risk factors are most important to consider, factors that are noted by many specialists include:
- a family history of stuttering
- stuttering that has continued for 6 months or longer
- presence of other speech or language disorders
- strong fears or concerns about stuttering on the part of the child or the family
No single factor can be used to predict whether a child will continue to stutter. The combination of these factors can help SLPs determine whether treatment is indicated.
You can help your child develop smoother, fluent speech:
1) Provide a relaxed speaking environment: Never pressure your child to speak. Pause before answering questions so
that he/she learns that we, too take our time speaking. This let's your child know it's okay to not begin speaking
until he/she know what they're are going to say.
2) Model slow, smooth, and relaxed way of speaking for your child. (Think "Mr. Rogers, not Robin Williams"). Speaking
this way encourages children to imitate smooth speaking.
3) Listen and respond to what your child has to say, not how he/she says it.
4) Give undivided attention to your child as he/she speaks. If you cannot listen at the moment he/she wants to talk,
encourage your child to wait for a short time so he/she may speak with you when you are better able to give your full
attention.
5) Encourage and praise a slower, smoother manner of talking. Don't point out blocks, prolongations or repetitions.
Please check out the Links page for online activities.
Information adapted from www.stutteringhelp.org/, http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/stuttering.htm
http://talbotslp.webs.com/parenttips.htm