Stuttering Therapy for Children Certified Speech Pathologist Over 40 Years of Success
Is Your Child Stuttering?
If your child sounds like they may be stuttering, please don’t wait to see if they “outgrow” it. Think of stuttering as a habit. The longer a person has a habit, the harder that habit is to break. It’s the same way with stuttering. So the sooner we can start to address your child’s stuttering, the better.
Is Your Child Stuttering?
If your child sounds like they may be stuttering, please don’t wait to see if they “outgrow” it. Think of stuttering as a habit. The longer a person has a habit, the harder that habit is to break. It’s the same way with stuttering. So the sooner we can start to address your child’s stuttering, the better.
Also, please don’t try to figure out if your child is stuttering, or just going through a phase. Often, young children go through a period in their speech development where they will repeat words or phrases. Many websites will talk about this and try to help you figure out on your own whether your child needs speech therapy. Don’t overthink it. See a professional.
If you think you would like me to work with your child, please reach out!
I offer a free consultation, either by phone, in person, or virtual.
The Critical Importance of Early Intervention for Stuttering:
- Higher likelihood of recovery: Studies show that children who start speech therapy early for stuttering are nearly eight times more likely to overcome stuttering than those who start later.
- Reduced tension and struggle: Early intervention helps children learn to speak with less effort and physical tension, leading to more relaxed and fluent speech.
- Improved attitudes towards speaking: Therapy helps children develop positive feelings about communication, reducing any fear or anxiety associated with stuttering.
- Prevention of negative consequences: Early intervention can prevent the development of negative emotions and behaviors related to stuttering, such as social withdrawal or avoidance of speaking situations.
When to seek help:
- When stuttering is accompanied by tension or struggle: If your child exhibits physical tension or struggles when speaking, it’s important to seek professional guidance.
- When your child avoids talking or expresses frustration: If your child shows signs of avoiding communication or expresses negative feelings about speaking, early intervention can be beneficial.
- If. you have a family history of stuttering: A family history of stuttering could increase the risk of persistent stuttering, making early intervention advisable.
What to expect in early intervention: Early intervention typically involves working with a speech-language pathologist who specializes in stuttering. Therapy may include:
- Direct strategies: Teaching your child techniques to modify their speech patterns, such as slowing down their rate of speech or using gentle onsets.
- Indirect strategies: Creating a supportive communication environment that encourages fluent speech, such as slowing down your own speech, asking fewer questions, and providing ample time for your child to respond.
- Parent education and counseling: Providing parents with information and support to help them understand stuttering and create a positive communication environment at home.