Resources for Stuttering
about stuttering, the do's & don'ts, links for families, & more
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WHAT IS STUTTERING
WHAT IS STUTTERING
"Stuttering affects the fluency of speech. It begins during childhood and, in some cases, lasts throughout life. The disorder is characterized by disruptions in the production of speech sounds, also called "disfluencies." Most people produce brief disfluencies from time to time. For instance, some words are repeated and others are preceded by "um" or "uh." Disfluencies are not necessarily a problem; however, they can impede communication when a person produces too many of them."
FACTS ABOUT STUTTERING
FACTS ABOUT STUTTERING
The causes of stuttering are not totally understood, but some scientific research indicates that it may be due to genetics (60% of people who stutter also have a relative who stutter), and it may be due to neurology (brains processing speech and language differently). More than 70 million people in the world stutter.
It sounds different for everyone. Stuttering can be repetitions of sounds, words, or phrases; it can be blocks, where no sound comes out; it can be prolongations, where one sound gets stretched out.
Stuttering is unpredictable. No one can know exactly when it will happen, and it might be better or worse from one day to the next.
Environmental factors can influence stuttering. Some people stutter the same wherever they are, while others stutter more at home, or more at school.
There's no "cure" for stuttering. Speech therapy can help people who stutter manage and cope with stuttering to make it easier.
the do's & don'ts of Stuttering
the do's & don'ts of Stuttering
Do slow your own speech down a little when speaking to your child who stutters. You are giving them a good example to copy...they will naturally imitate the way you talk to them! You can also take breaths and pause between sentences as another good example for them to copy. If you want your child to be a good communicator, you need to be a good communicator first!
Do listen politely and patiently when someone who stutters is speaking. Pay attention to what the child says rather than the way it is said. Even if it takes longer, let them say what they need to say.
Do make sure to give your child opportunities to talk to you without distractions or competition from other family members.
Do reduce pressure to communicate. Limit the number of questions you ask the child (questions demand that the child make an immediate response). Give the child plenty of time to answer, too.
Do remember that certain environmental factors may have a negative effect on fluency: competition to speak, excitement, time pressure, arguing, fatigue, new situations, unfamiliar listeners. Language factors, like unfamiliar topics or complex language, may have an effect on fluency, too.
Do "stutter proof" your child by building up their confidence
Do train your family and friends in the DOs and DON'Ts of stuttering and educate them on the facts of stuttering.
Don't tell someone who stutters to "slow down" or "relax." All this does is draw attention to the stuttering and can make them more worried about stuttering, causing them to stutter even more! You want to show them that you care about what they have to say more than you care about how they say it.
Don't interrupt someone who stutters or try to provide/fill in their words for them. It can be annoying, frustrating, or anxiety-producing for someone who stutters (or anyone, really).
Don't call attention to a child's speech. Don't make a big deal about it!
Don't criticize or correct the child's speech. Again, don't make it a big deal!
Don't put the child in situations where there speech will be on display or put them on the spot with speaking demands (e.g. "Tell Grandma about..." "Show them the pledge you memorized.)
Don't look or act distressed or upset when the child is disfluent.
Don't call the child a stutterer or a stammerer.
Have a question about Stuttering?
Have a question about Stuttering?
Get in touch! We're happy to help you find the answers you're looking for.
Get in touch! We're happy to help you find the answers you're looking for.
Please note, the information on this site is by no means exhaustive or fully comprehensive! These are just a few tips and resources to help you along the way. For more information, please speak to your child's speech-language pathologist or other related professional.
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