Stuttering

Ssstuttering

Stuttering is a disorder in communication that presents with the repetition of sounds or words in speech.  Essentially, stuttering is dysfluency - a disruption in or breaking up of regular speech or an interruption in how speech flows.  Stuttering is present in about 5 % of children.  Generally, most children outgrow stuttering in about 6 months.  Most children who start stuttering in young childhood stop by or before age 5.  However, if you notice your child’s stuttering is getting worse or it is accompanied by body or facial movements, it is advisable that you have your child evaluated at about the age of 3.  Keep in mind that only about 1% of children actually end up having a chronic stuttering problem. 

Stuttering is something that occurs to most people at one time or another.  It can be as severe as completely stopping sounds from coming out of the mouth and effecting other body and facial muscles to as simple as someone saying ‘umm’ or ‘uh’ during speech. 

Contrary to common beliefs, stuttering is not generally related to emotional or psychological problems.  Although stressful situations may cause stuttering or creates a decrease in the ability to communicate, it is not generally due to deeper rooted emotional concerns.

Common causes of stuttering include talking too fast, high activity levels, or speech and language delays or developmental problems.  About 60% of stuttering is genetic.  Most children who stutter have a family member that also stutters.  Generally, stuttering occurs when someone processes language in different areas of the brain.  Something happens when the brain sends messages to muscles and body parts responsible for speech.

A few ideas that might be helpful for families of children that stutter follow.

1.        Being patient is very important for parents of stuttering children.  Do your best to take a few minutes of uninterrupted time to allow your child to tell you what they want to say.  Encourage them to slow down their speech by setting the example and slowing your own speech down.

2.       Use meal times as talk times.  Reduce distractions as much as possible and listen to your child, allow them to tell you how their day is going.  Avoid criticizing them when they do stutter.

3.       As much as possible, avoid situations that place your child on the spot.  Unless they are comfortable, don’t make them speak or read aloud when others are watching them.  When a lot of people are around, allow them to do things that do not require a lot of talking.

4.       Avoid criticizing, asking them to repeat what they said, or to ‘think’ before they speak.  Remember, their brain is probably processing language differently than yours is.  Give them time to process it the way their brain does it.

5.       Try to slow down the pace in your home and keep the atmosphere calm.

6.       Give eye contact.  Avoid looking away in annoyance or disgust.

7.       Let your child finish their own sentences.  Pause before responding to keep the pace relaxed. 

8.       Help your child learn controlled breathing techniques that may help regulate not only breathing, but speech as well.

9.       Stuttering in children potentially may cause social discomfort due to teasing.  Communicating with teachers may be helpful to reduce situations where a child is required to talk in front of the class.