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Stuttering for Children
Q. Why do people stutter?

A. Stuttering is not caused by psychological or emotional difficulties. Recent brain imaging techniques have supported a neurological cause for stuttering. Additionally, individuals who have experienced head injuries and strokes may begin to stutter, thus providing further evidence of a neurological connection. Parents do not cause stuttering.

Q. What can be done to help children who stutter?

A. The key to preventing stuttering is not to "wait and see" if a child will outgrow it. The key is to provide early guidance for parents when a child first begins to stutter. If properly treated during the early stages, children have a greater chance of not developing lifelong stuttering.

Scientifically proven therapy techniques tailored to the child will work to improve or eliminate stuttering. A consultation by phone or in the office is the best way to determine if therapy is needed. Every case is individual. Parents should seek an initial consultation with a licensed speech language pathologist who specializes in stuttering.

Stuttering occurs in less than 5 percent of adults, so finding a professional who has lots of experience is often difficult. Most speech language pathologists do not have extensive experience with stuttering disorders because it is a considered a "low incidence disorder." If a speech language pathologist only sees a few people who stutter it is very difficult to become an expert.

Above all do not wait and worry. Seek help early when stuttering first occurs. You may prevent a permanent disability later in life by treating the stuttering in the early stages. Once stuttering occurs past the preschool years it often becomes a lifelong problem.

Q. What should I expect when I bring my child for a consultation with a speech language pathologist?

A. An initial consultation should include gathering a complete medical and speech history. Stuttering tends to run in families and you may find out that a relative stutters or perhaps a parent use to stutter.

Your child will play with the therapist using toys, pictures and conversation to observe the stuttering. It is important that the consultation be videotaped and audio taped for later reference. During the play activities the term "stuttering" should not be used in front of your child. Your child should be told they are going to play some games with a friend/teacher and that they will get a prize when they are done with the play session.

A consultation with you should be made when your child is not present. You may be given videotapes, written information and Web sites to manage the stuttering at home or you may be told that therapy is recommended. Therapy may be intensive or occasional depending upon the needs of the child.

 

Kudos to Reporter for Column on Stuttering

I was quite pleased to read your column "New support group striving for some public awareness" (The Press-Tribune, Sept. 19). I have long thought stuttering does not receive as much press as other disabilities, and this probably results in the little funding that stuttering research receives.

Ansel Oliver makes a compelling case for this new support group.

I totally concur with Oliver's statement that it is important stutterers find a speech therapist who has experience working with stuttering. I always recommend to people the Web site of The Stuttering Foundation of America (www.stutteringhelp.org) because it features a national listing of qualified speech therapists who specialize in stuttering.

The Stuttering Foundation, a nonprofit organization, offers a ton of books and DVDs for adults, children, parents and teachers; their help line is (800) 992-9392.

Another great resource for parents and children is the Web site of The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering Children (www.stammeringcentre.org). This London-based clinic offer great information, in my opinion.

I was not surprised that Oliver's stuttering began during junior year of high school, as the speech problem can appear in later years. While a definite cause for stuttering has yet to be identified, much evidence points to both genetic and neurological factors. The genetic factor can be triggered in later years.

I applaud Ansel Oliver for writing this column and I hope the support group thrives.

Phong T. Nguyen,

Union City, N.J.