Childhood Stuttering – How Do I Know My Child Needs Therapy?
Answers to concerned parents who have noticed stuttering behavior in their child’s speech
Stuttering is Common
As part of typical speech and language development, young children typically experience dysfluent moments as they grow and discover how to talk. Onset typically occurs as children are starting to put words together into short sentences. These moments signal learning of new language forms. But how can a parent spot the turning point from dysfluency (stuttering moment) to a moderate-severe and persistent stutter? How do we know when to treat and when to hold off to give the stutter the chance to remediate naturally?
Things to Consider…
Risk Factors Involved:
- Late onset of stutter after 3.5 years of age
- Time since onset: has the stutter persisted 6-12 months?
- Family history
- Co-existing disorders (developmental or speech-language related)
- Negative associations or reactions to stuttering moments
- Gender
- Level of parental concern
- High vocabulary
Spot the Difference – And Take Action!
Typical Dysfluencies Occurring in Early Childhood:
- Occasional occurrence
- Stuttering when child is excited, upset, or uncomfortable
- 1 to 2 repeated syllables
- Including fillers such as “um, uh, er”
- Onset before the age of 3.5
Signs of a Persistent Stutter:
- 4 or more repeats or sounds or syllables
- Tension visible in the face and neck, including tremors and body movements
- Caution shown while speaking, or rapid speaking rate
- Blocked airflow
- Raised pitch or volume
- Embarrassment during speaking
- Avoidance of certain words or sounds, or speaking in general
Early identification and evaluation is integral for a persistent stutter. There is no harm in evaluating a child who is suspected of stuttering, and in fact conducting such an evaluation can avoid the negative effects associated with stuttering that occur as a child enters adolescence: shyness, low self-esteem, nervous habits, poor social skills, and depression.
What Can I Do Today?
Parents can begin to help their children right away before any sort of evaluation or intervention begins. These tips are useful for any sort of stutterer – from mild to severe.
- Be a Model. Speak to your child using slow, relaxed speech (think: channel the way Mr. Rogers talks to his audience).
- Give your child undivided attention while they speak to you – LISTEN intently.
- Pause before you begin to speak. This shows an example of talking being an unhurried activity
- Provide positive interactions. Do not get upset or show annoyance during a moment of stuttering. Instead, show patience and acceptance
(Per stutteringhelp.org)
Beacon Therapies
Evelyn Rodriguez, CCC-B/SLP
Katie Crimmins, BA
References:
Dell, C. (1996). Treating the School Age Stutterer: A Guide for Clinicians. Stuttering Foundation of America.
Stuttering Foundation of America (1991-2018). Stutteringhelp.org