Speech Therapy For Children Who Stutter

Stuttering, a common speech disorder, can affect individuals of all ages, but it often begins in early childhood.

As a parent or caregiver, understanding stuttering and its’ potential impact on your child is essential.

Fortunately, our pediatric speech-language pathology services in Aurora can offer education, support, and effective strategies for improvement.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into the world of stuttering, its causes, and how speech therapy for stuttering can make a significant difference in your child’s life.

What Is Stuttering?

Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by disruptions in the natural flow of speech.

It often involves the repetition of sounds, syllables, words, or phrases, as well as prolonged sounds or involuntary pauses during speech.

While many children experience periods of disfluency as they learn to speak, stuttering becomes a concern when these disruptions are frequent or persistent.

These disruptions in speech can impact a child’s self esteem and ability to communicate effectively.

What’s The Difference Between Typical Disfluency In Children And True Stuttering?

Stuttering like disfluencies are the hallmark of true stuttering (see the different types below).

On the other hand, none of us are completely fluent when we speak.

In fact, use of things like interjections (e.g., ‘um’, ‘but’, ‘like’), revisions of a phrase (e.g., ‘I went to… I wanted to go to the store’), or phrase repetitions (e.g. ‘I need to… I need to go to the store’) are very common.

These are not cause for concern unless they happen so frequently that they significantly disrupt the flow of conversation.

Are There Different Types of Stuttering?

Stuttering can manifest in various ways, including repetitions, prolongations, and blocks in speech.

Understanding the specific type of stuttering your child experiences is crucial for developing a tailored approach to therapy.

The type and severity of stuttering can vary from child to child. Some may experience only mild disruptions, while others may struggle more significantly with their speech fluency.

The ways stuttering can manifest include:

Repetitions

This type of stuttering involves repeating sounds, syllables, words, or phrases. For example, a child may say, “I-I-I want that toy.”

Prolongations

Prolongations occur when a child elongates sounds, making speech sound stretched or drawn out.

A common example is “sssssstop that.”

Blocks

In this type, the child experiences pauses or involuntary interruptions during speech.

It appears as if they are struggling to get the words out.

What Causes Children To Stutter?

The exact causes of stuttering in children remain the subject of ongoing research.

It’s believed to result from a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors.

However, while these factors can increase the likelihood of stuttering, it’s important to note that they do not guarantee it will develop.

Here are some key factors that contribute to stuttering:

Genetic Factors

Family history plays a significant role.

If a close family member, such as a parent or sibling, stutters, the risk of a child developing a stutter increases.

However, many children with family histories of stuttering do not develop the disorder, and not all children who stutter have a family history of the condition.

Neurological Factors

Differences in brain structure and function may contribute to stuttering.

Researchers have found differences in the way the brain processes speech and language in individuals who stutter.

Environmental Factors

High levels of stress or pressure can exacerbate stuttering in children.

This stress can result from various sources, such as academic expectations or social situations.

Can People Who Stutter Have Other Communication Delays Or Disorders As Well?

Yes, your child can have a stutter along with other speech or language disorders.

According to Choo, Smith, and Li, children who stutter often also struggle with executive function, a common trait in children with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder .

Blood Et. Al. also found that ~53% of children sampled had a stutter as well as another speech disorder.

These included:

• Dysphagia
• Cluttering
• Voice disorders
• Phonological disorders
• Articulation disorders

As well, nearly three out of every four children surveyed in the above study reported a language disorder – particularly, expressive and receptive language disorders.

How to Tell If Your Child Has a Stutter

Recognizing the signs of stuttering in your child is the first step in seeking help.

Common symptoms include frequent repetitions, facial tension while speaking, and signs of frustration during communication.

Above, we looked at repetitions, prolongations, and blocks.

However, some secondary signs your child may have a stutter include the following:

Facial Tension

Your child may display signs of facial tension, such as tightness around the mouth or visible effort when attempting to speak.

Frustration

Stuttering can be frustrating for children.

If your child shows signs of frustration or avoids speaking situations, it may be a result of their stutter.

How Can Speech Therapy Help Kids Who Stutter?

How can you tell if your child has a stuttering disorder, or if they’re just saying words incorrectly like all children do as they learn?

If you suspect your child may have a stutter, it’s essential to consult a speech-language pathologist for a professional assessment.

They can provide a thorough evaluation and determine the best course of action to support your child’s speech development.

Speech therapy is the primary treatment approach for children who stutter.

It aims to improve fluency, increase confidence, and provide strategies for effective communication.

Speech-language pathologists are trained professionals who specialize in identifying and treating speech disorders.

Speech therapy for kids who stutter is not a one size fits all approach.

Instead, it is tailored to meet the specific needs and challenges of each child.

Here are some key components of speech therapy for stuttering.

1. Fluency Techniques

Speech-language pathologists teach children various techniques to improve their fluency.

This includes slow and easy speech, pausing between sentences, and using gentle airflow during speech.

2. Speech Exercises

Therapy may include exercises and activities designed to increase awareness of speech patterns and help children gain control over their speech production.

3. Generalization Activities

Speech-language pathologists work with children to reduce anxiety and emotional stress associated with stuttering.

Building self confidence and a positive attitude toward communicating with a wide variety of people across environments is a vital aspect of therapy.

4. Parental Involvement

Parents play a crucial role in their child’s progress.

Speech-language pathologists often provide guidance and strategies for parents to support their child’s speech development at home.

5. Practice And Homework

Like any skill, improving speech fluency requires practice.

Speech-language pathologists provide exercises and homework for children to work on between therapy sessions.

How Long Does Pediatric Speech Therapy For Stuttering Take?

It’s important to note that the duration of therapy varies from child to child.

Some children may achieve significant improvements in a few months, while others may require longer term therapy.

The goal is to help each child develop effective communication skills and reduce the impact of stuttering on their daily life.

When Should I Bring My Child In for an Assessment?

Early intervention is critical for the best outcomes when dealing with stuttering in children.

If you observe signs of stuttering that persist for more than a few months, consider scheduling an assessment with a speech-language pathologist.

The sooner your child receives support, the better their chances of overcoming stuttering and developing strong communication skills.

Early intervention not only improves the chances of fluency improvement but also helps children develop a positive attitude towards communication.

It’s a proactive step towards supporting your child’s overall development.

Here are some signs that may indicate it’s time to seek an assessment:

Stuttering Persists

If your child’s stuttering persists beyond the early years of language development, it’s a clear sign to seek help.

Visible Frustration

If your child becomes visibly frustrated or anxious when trying to communicate, it’s an indication that the stuttering is impacting their confidence and emotional wellbeing.

Avoidance of Speaking Situations

If your child begins to avoid speaking situations or becomes withdrawn in social settings due to their stutter, it’s a cause for concern.

Family History

If there’s a family history of stuttering or other speech disorders, it’s essential to be vigilant and seek assessment if you notice any signs.

Book Your Appointment With Aurora Speech Clinic Today

At Aurora Speech Clinic, we have a clinical focus on speech therapy for kids who stutter.

Our experienced team is dedicated to helping your child improve their communication skills and build confidence.

Don’t wait – book your appointment today and take the first step toward helping your child achieve fluent, effective speech.

Book your appointment with Aurora Speech Clinic today.