speechandhearing

[speechandhearing]

Stuttering in children and adults

Stuttering in children & adults

If you are the parent of a stuttering child. 

Child's health history should be checked, when is the beginning of stuttering and when is it most frequent.

How stuttering affects their life, such as connections with others and academic performance.

Talk to your child, and may ask him or her to read audibly to watch for subtle differences in speech.

Differentiate between the repetition of syllables and mispronunciation of words that are normal in young children, and stuttering that is likely to be a long- term condition.

Rule out a beginning condition that can cause irregular speech, similar as Tourette's pattern

 Are you an adult with stuttering.

Treatment

An evaluation is done by speech therapist, by which treatment approach can be decided.

Examples of treatment approaches include

Speech therapy.

Speech therapy can educate you to slow down your speech and learn to notice when you stutter. You may speak slowly when beginning speech therapy, but over time, you can work up to a more natural speech pattern.

Electronic devices.

Several electronic devices are available to enhance fluency. During day to day activities some electronic devices are used. Get help from a speech therapist for guidance on choosing device.

Cognitive behavioral therapy.

Self-esteem problems related to stuttering can be resolved. It helps in reducing stress, anxiety problems related to stuttering.

Parent- child interaction.

Parents involvement in rehearsing techniques at home is a crucial part of helping a child manage with stuttering, especially with some styles.

These tips may help if you are the parent of a child who stutters.

Listen attentively to your child.

Listen carefully while your child is speaking and maintain natural eye contact

Wait for your child to say the word he or she's trying to say.

Do not jump in to complete the judgment or study.

Avoid distractions and talk to your child.

Mealtimes can be a good occasion for discussion.

Speak slowly

If you speak slowly, your child will frequently do the same, which may help drop stuttering.

Take turns talking.

Encourage everyone in your family to be a good listener and take turns talking.

Create a calm atmosphere.

Do your best to produce a relaxed, calm atmosphere at home in which your child feels comfortable speaking freely.

Do not concentrate too much on your child's stuttering

Do not draw attention to stuttering while interacting daily with your child. Do not expose your child to situations that produce a sense of urgency, pressure, or a need to rush or that require your child to speak in front of others.

Offer praise rather than criticize.

 Praise your child for speaking clearly rather than drawing attention to stuttering. If you do correct your child's speech, do it in a gentle way.

Accept the child just as he or she is.

Do not reply negatively or punish your child for stuttering. This can cause feeling of insecurity. Encourage and support your child which will make a big difference.

Connecting with other people

Several organizations offer support groups. Along with providing encouragement, support group members may offer advice that you might not have considered.

 Appointment

If you have any doubt regarding your child’s abilities you might first consider your child’s pediatrician. The doctor may then refer you to a speech and language pathologist (speech therapist).

If you're an adult who stutters, you may want to search for a program designed to treat adult stuttering or you might contact a doctor or directly contact a speech therapist.

Your speech language pathologist is likely to ask you a number of questions. Be prepared for such type of questions which helps them know more about your child’s limitations.

Questions Speech & Language pathologist might ask:

When did you first notice stuttering?

Does stuttering come and go or it is always present

Does anything seem to improve stuttering?

Does anything appear to make it worse?

Does your family have history of stuttering?

By how much stuttering is affecting your child's life, in schools, performance or social interaction?