1. Ask for a Proper Evaluation
Stuttering, also called "verbal non-fluency," is a common speech impediment. Many children demonstrate stuttering as they learn how to talk, but most will grow out of it without intervention. Still, approximately 20 percent of children who stutter will need the help of a speech therapist to eliminate or improve the condition.
Diagnosing stuttering in children is not an exact science because normal speech disfluency is common, but there are some markers that help speech-language pathologists (SLPs) predict whether your child's stuttering will need treatment. How a child stutters can indicate whether a more serious problem is responsible. Repeating a part of a word multiple times, "b-b-b-b-bike," for instance, is an indication of a speech impediment. Physical signs of anxiety while speaking such as eye blinking, muscle tensing and avoiding eye contact can indicate a speech disorder. Other factors such as a family history of stuttering and stuttering for longer than 6 months are also considered during an evaluation.
In older children and adults, the mere presence of a prolonged stutter is evidence of a speech impediment. Getting your child evaluated as soon as possible is recommended. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website provides an online directory of certified SLPs throughout the nation.
2. Seek Early Intervention
The majority of preschool children who receive early intervention will recover completely from stuttering. Older children and adults who have been stuttering for several years may have a more difficult time achieving normal fluency, but it can be accomplished with treatment.
Treatment for stuttering is primarily behavioral. In therapy, patients are taught how to adjust their rate of speech to prevent stuttering. This is called "fluency shaping." Slow, smooth speech is encouraged and breathing exercises may be used. Gradually, the speech rate is increased so that speech sounds more natural. The rate of progress varies from one person to another, but some stutterers, particularly younger ones, see dramatic improvement in little time.
3. Provide a Supportive Environment
Anxiety and embarrassment over stuttering exacerbates the disorder. If you have a child with a stuttering problem, minimize his stress when speaking. Avoid interrupting your child when she stutters or and don't show frustration with her inability to communicate quickly. Instead, show understanding by waiting for her to get out what she wants to say and repeating it back to her. If your child is showing anxiety about her stuttering, offer words of encouragement like, "I know it's hard say some words. I have trouble sometimes, too."
