Stuttering Therapy – How SCT Helps Children Achieve More Fluent Speech

It can be alarming to parents when their child begins to stutter. Many children stutter when they are acquiring language. With some key techniques, we can support and help our children through this disfluent period and reduce the risk of prolonged speech problems.

Why do Children Stutter?

Stuttering is a communication disorder characterized by repeating, lengthening, or skipping sounds or words when speaking. It is common for children to have some disfluencies when they are learning to talk, typically between the ages of 18 months to 5 years old. This is what is typically referred to as Normal Disfluency and usually lasts for only a brief time. If however, the child’s disfluencies seem severe or persist for a prolonged period of time, the condition is referred to as Fluency Disorder.

There are four factors that have been identified that contribute to stuttering: genetic predisposition, communication delays, atypical language processing, and family dynamics. When a combination of these factors comes together, the result may be stuttering.

However, what causes stuttering is not necessarily what prolongs stuttering or makes it get worse. This is why a qualified SLP is important in the stuttering process- to shorten the length of time stuttering occurs and give the child and family critical skills to reduce the risk of escalating the stuttering behavior.

Therapy Process

At SCT, we offer evaluations to determine if your child’s stuttering is typical in nature and will likely resolve itself or if direct therapy is needed to help your child achieve more fluent speech.

Regardless of the nature of the stuttering, there are ways to help your child when they experience difficulty with fluent speech. The 7 tips outlined by the Stuttering Foundation include:

• Try to resist asking your child to “slow down.” Instead, model speaking in a calm unhurried way with lots of pauses, remembering to pause after your child speaks before you start to speak.
• Find times to give your child your undivided attention. Make sure your body language says you are listening too (good eye contact with your body facing the child).
• Reduce the amount of questions you ask your child. Instead of questions, try commenting on what they have just said.
• Decrease the communication interruptions. Take turns talking and listening.
• Find ways to build your child’s confidence. This can be in any area, not just speaking.
• Set aside a special time each day to give your child your full attention. Try to make it a consistent time so that your child knows when it will be.
• Treat your child who stutters that same as your other children. The same family rules should apply to all.

During our evaluation process and therapy, your SLP will help you as a parent learn and practice the techniques that will help your family best support your child as they learn to speak more fluently.

Stuttering FAQs

How common is stuttering?
About 1% of the adult population stutters. Boys are four times more likely to stutter than girls.

Is stuttering genetic?
It has been shown that approximately 60% of people who stutter have someone else in the family who stutters as well.

What resources are out there to help me as a parent?
The Stuttering Foundation is a non-profit organization that offers guidance, information, and free books/handouts to help children and adults of all ages.

At what age should I seek help?
The best prevention for stuttering is early intervention. If you have concerns, it is a good idea to have your child evaluated. Even though most children will outgrow their stuttering, there are ways that we can support them during this period and reduce their risk of prolonged speech problems.

Does insurance cover stuttering therapy?
If your insurance covers speech therapy, it should cover stuttering therapy as well. Check with your insurance for details on your specific plan.