Helping the child Who Stutters

By: Meagan Palmer

Does this child really have a stuttering problem?

• Hesitating• Repeat certain syllables, words, or

phrases once or twice li-li-like this• Disfluencies occur most often

between ages one and five years.

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Differences between a stutterer and a non-affluent child

• Facial tremors caused by excessive tension• Speaks cautiously• Speaks very rapidly, almost compulsively• Speaks too loudly or softly• Blocks the airflow• Accompanying body movements during

disfluencies• Signs of embarrassment while speaking• Many repetitions (5 or more) during a word

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Differences between a stutterer and a nonaffluent child

• Stops in the middle of a word, backs up and starts over

• Shyness, looks away especially when disfluent• Low self concept• Nervous habits• Poor socialization skillsE:\How a Parent Can Help Their Child With Stuttering.mht

Mild vs. Severe stuttering

• Milder stuttering repeats sounds more than twice

• Tension and struggle may be evident in the facial areas

• Pitch of voice may rise with repetition and may experience a “block”

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• Severe- stutters more than 10% of his speech• Stutters with considerable effort and tension or

avoid it by changing words and using extra sounds to get started

• Complete blocks of speech are more common than repetitions or prolongations.

• Disfluencies tend to be present in most speaking situations now.

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Mild vs. SevereStuttering

Stuttering and Teasing

Ways to help a child who stutters

• Speak with your child in an unhurried way, pausing frequently

• Reduce the number of question you ask

• Set aside a few minutes at a regular time each day when you can give your undivided attention to your child

• Help all members of the family learn to take turns talking and listening

• Convey that you accept your child as he is

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Ways to help a child who stutters

Provide a good Speech Model

Ways to help a child who stutters

Improve the

Child’s Self-

Esteem

Ways to help a child who stutters

Create a Good Speech

Environment