Stutter

[monnie]

Hey Tanya

I'm a Speech Pathologist. I don't specialise in stuttering...but here's what I know.

It really may be worthwhile getting Emily checked out...especially if you are noticing it more and more.

Stutters do come and go...they are more obvious when kids' "systems" are under "stress"...like if they are really tired, really emotional and also when they are having a bit of a "language spurt". Kids can have really good days/weeks/months and then the stutter can re-appear.

There used to be the understanding that most kids grow out of it and just leave them be...but more and more...they are finding that some kids don't grow out of it, and the older kids are, the harder treatment is for them...

These days, there are fantastic techniques to help kids who stutter...and the treatment outcomes for the under 5's are incredibly successful...and Australia is known for leading the way in stuttering therapy...there's a successful programme for under 5's called the Lidcombe project...try googling it, if your interested.

In no way do I want to panic you, but I would suggest that you perhaps take Emily to a Speech Pathologist...often stuttering is treated as a priority, so you may find that the waitlists for government clinics aren't that long...the other thing would be contacting Speech Pathology departments in Universities...they often have stuttering clinics... If possible, ask for a SP who specialises in stuttering...as it's a pretty specific and specialised field.

If she grows out of it, whilst she's on the waitlist, that's great!!! If not, then you are able to have her properly assessed and treated.

Here's some other ideas I got off the net...

What should I do if my child stutters?
Do:

• Take time to listen to your child without distractions or competition from other family members.
• Listen to what your child is saying, not how it is being said (ie don't worry about the stutters).
• Let your child finish what they are saying, don't finish words or sentences for them.
• Repeat or rephrase what your child says to show that you have understood.
• Reassure your child if he or she is aware of the stutter and is concerned.
• Praise your child when he or she is fluent.
• Slow down YOUR part in the conversation, so the conversation will hopefully naturally slow down
• Have your child assessed by a Speech Pathologist.

Don't:

• Draw attention to your child's speech in front of others or put him or her in situations where speech is on display.
• Interrupt your child's speech or complete sentences for him or her.
• Criticise your child's speech.
• Tease your child about their stutter.
• Let other people (ie friends, parents) make comments or try to correct your child's speech.