Early Childhood Stuttering
Childhood Stuttering
Early childhood stuttering is a communication disorder that affects the flency of speech.
As parents you need support when you suspect that your child is stuttering, since you may be feeling worried, confused, or at a loss about what you can do. People who are close to you, professionals, and the media sometimes give conflicting advice about what to do next.
The National Stuttering Association provides support for parents with a helpful booklet, written by NSA Board Members and Stuttering Specialists with current information about stuttering and, in particular, young children who stutter. The booklet is organized into five sections, each of which represents a different aspect of a five-step plan you can follow to help your child and is available here: http://www.nsastutter.org/material/index.php?matid=115
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- Step One: Don’t Panic! Assistance is available for children who stutter.
- Step Two: Get Informed Decide whether you should pursue treatment, what type of treatment you should select, and how you can help your child at home.
- Step Three: Get Help Resources are available for parents of children who stutter such as: booklets, speech therapists and even advice from other people who stutter. Get connected with them.
- Step Four: Get Started Learn how to respond to various situations and how to encourage family members and others to work together to help your child.
- Step 5: Get Support Reading stories written by other parents of children who stutter can help you to know that you are not alone in your feelings regarding your child’s speech. Find lists of suggested readings and resources that will help you find the support you need as the parent of a child who is having difficulty with their speech fluency.
Stuttering in Children
Stuttering in children often occurs as many young kids go through a stage between the ages of 2 and 5 when they stutter. In many cases, this stuttering goes away on its own as the child learns how to speak and how to coordinate the muscles that are used for talking.
In other cases, stuttering lasts longer. While there is no cure for stuttering, there are many effective treatments for it and ways that you can support your child until he or she overcomes trouble speaking.
Some advice for parents concerned about stuttering in children is found in the following:
“7 Ways to Help the Child Who Stutters,” compiled by Barry Guitar, Ph.D. and Edward G. Conture, Ph.D.
1. Speak with your child in an unhurried way, pausing frequently. Wait a few seconds after your child finishes speaking before you begin to speak. Your own slow, relaxed speech will be far more effective than any criticism or advice such as "slow down" or "try it again slowly."
2. Reduce the number of questions you ask your child. Children speak more freely if they are expressing their own ideas rather than answering an adult's questions. Instead of asking questions, simply comment on what your child has said, thereby letting him know you heard him.
3. Use your facial expressions and other body language to convey to your child that you are listening to the content of her message and not to how she's talking.
4. Set aside a few minutes at a regular time each day when you can give your undivided attention to your child. During this time, let the child choose what he would like to do. Let him direct you in activities and decide himself whether to talk or not. When you talk during this special time, use slow, calm, and relaxed speech, with plenty of pauses. This quiet, calm time can be a confidence-builder for younger children, letting them know that a parent enjoys their company. As the child gets older, it can be a time when the child feels comfortable talking about his feelings and experiences with a parent.
5. Help all members of the family learn to take turns talking and listening. Children, especially those who stutter, find it much easier to talk when there are few interruptions and they have the listeners' attention.
6. Observe the way you interact with your child. Try to increase those times that give your child the message that you are listening to her and she has plenty of time to talk. Try to decrease criticisms, rapid speech patterns, interruptions, and questions.
7. Above all, convey that you accept your child as he is. The most powerful force will be your support of him, whether he stutters or not.
Click here for frequently asked questions and information about early childhood stuttering.
Click here to locate a Providing SLP (Speech Language Pathologist) nearest to you who is certified to dispense and fit SpeechEasy devices to treat stuttering in children.
