Stuttering is a communication disorder characterized by disruptions in speech. Catherine S. Montgomery, executive director of the American Institute for Stuttering, says that people who stutter have a “physical disorder with genetic and neurological roots that typically presents itself when a child is very young.” Children who stutter usually begin around ages 2 to 8 years of age, with acquired adult stuttering being a very rare form of the disorder. Early intervention is usually the key to nipping this problem in the bud and creating strong lifelong communication skills.
Parent reaction is particularly important in encouraging a child who stutters to speak more fluently. Sometimes it’s a knee-jerk reaction to correct people who stutter by interjecting the attempted word as it should be said. Other times, parents aren’t sure what to say and authoritatively command their kids to “think before speaking,” “focus and try again” or “slow down.” Unfortunately, these sentiments of disappointment or alarm can undermine a child’s self-confidence and create a flood of negative emotions that accompany the act of communication. In most cases, stuttering and anxiety go hand-in-hand. While younger children may be able to shrug it off, elementary school kids, teenagers and adults develop aversions and deep-seated insecurities associated with language that makes treatment more challenging. Therefore, it’s important that parents meet with local community support groups to learn more about childhood stuttering.
A great way to address children who stutter is to buy instructional booklets and coloring sheets that will help alleviate any anxiety or negative emotions that inevitably show up during speech lessons. There are several books available online, such as Sometimes I Just Stutter (www.stuttersfa.org/sijs/sijs.htm), Jeremy and the Hippo (www.mnsu.edu/comdis/ISAD3/papers/jeremybook/jeremy1.html), Boo Goodnight to Halloween (www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/kids/boo/index.html), Angel Loves to Talk (www.interactivedesigns.org/nsa-caz/angel.pdf), More Friends for Jackson (www.interactivedesigns.org/nsa-caz/jackson.pdf), Funny Bunny’s Better Idea (www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/TherapyWWW/funnybunny.pdf) and Our First Talk about Talking (www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/TherapyWWW/ourfirsttalk.pdf). Speech problems often go away on their own if the child can maintain a normal level of self-confidence and simply work through difficult words or syllables.
Over at www.superduperinc.com/search/topicSearch.aspx?id=24, parents can find a number of resources aimed at children who stutter. For instance, there is an “Elephone” reading and listening device, a “Fluency River” board game, the “Story Starters” game and the “Holiday/Seasonal Chipper Chat.” Researchers say the best way for children to overcome their speech difficulties is by repetition and desensitization. If they feel that their speech problems are a natural part of learning that can be sorted out with practice, then they are more likely to succeed.
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