What Parents Can Do:
Here are some ways parents can help:
- Reduce communication stress. There are different techniques to put less pressure on a child in a speaking situation. Rephrasing questions as comments (using “You played outside today at school. It must have been fun!” instead of “What did you do at school?”) is one effective approach. Parents can also do their best to reduce situations that trigger their child’s stuttering.
- Talk about it. When children are aware of their stuttering, it is best to be open and talk about it in a positive way. Let them know it is okay to have “bumpy speech.” If a child does not seem to be aware of the problem, there is no need to bring it up until you are seeing a speech-language pathologist.
- Practice patience. Give children time to finish what they are saying. Don’t rush or interrupt them. Don’t tell them to “slow down” or “think about what you want to say.” Phrases such as those are generally not helpful to children who stutter.
- Model good speech habits. While telling a child how to talk is generally not helpful, parents can model speech habits that help with stuttering, such as slowing down their own speed when they talk, putting in more pauses between sentences, and speaking in a relaxed manner.
- Seek a professional. There are many ways to find a speech-language pathologist. A child’s pediatrician can provide a recommendation. Children younger than 3 can receive a free evaluation through their local Early Intervention Program. If a child is older than 3, parents can contact their local public school for a free evaluation. Parents also have the option to seek out a private speech-language pathologist with a child at any age. A searchable database of these professionals is available here. A list of stuttering specialists is available here.
Follow Your Instincts:
If you continue to have concerns about your child’s speech, ask for a reevaluation or referral for additional formal testing.
Additional Information & Resources:
- How to Raise Concerns about a Child’s Speech and Language Development
- Learn the Signs. Act Early (CDC.gov) – Aims to improve early identification of children with autism and other developmental disabilities so children and families can get the services and support they need.
- Stuttering (ASHA)
- Childhood Fluency Disorders (ASHA)
- National Stuttering Association
- Stuttering Foundation
Author Craig Coleman, CCC-SLP, BRS-FD
Last Updated 12/27/2016
Source Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Pediatrics and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
