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What is stuttering?
We tend to use the word ‘stuttering’ for a variety of slip ups while speaking. Adding in ‘um,’ pausing while speaking, and repeating a word are examples. We have all done these and other slip ups while speaking, and it’s completely normal. In fact, when children are learning to speak they often will have times when they do this.
Sometimes, however, stuttering becomes a problem. When it’s lasted longer than 6 months, a large portion of their speech is dysfluent, they are aware of the problem and/or they are stressed about it.
Should I be worried if my child stutters?
If a child starts stuttering it’s usually okay to watch until six months. However, if there is a family history of stuttering, most of the speech is stuttering, or your child is really stressed, you might want to talk to your pediatrician before six months.
Is there any treatment for stuttering?
There isn’t a definitive cure for stuttering, but there is treatment.
Generally, treatment is handled by speech pathologists. Your pediatrician can refer you to one in your community. They have a few different ways to help your child change how they speak and help them with tricks to make speaking easier. In addition, they can coach the parents on tricks to help the child at home.
What can I do at home to help my child?
The best thing to do is not increase the stress your child already has about speaking. It’s good to let them talk, but let them do it in their own time; don’t talk for them. Make sure you listen to them speaking. Slowing down your own speech can help reduce the pressure on your child to also speak quickly.
Bottom line.
Stuttering can be an obvious and stressful problem. If you think your child has it, then be patient while they are speaking and get them into speech therapy.
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