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<\/a><\/p>\n\u2022 Repeating a sound or a syllable, especially at the beginning of the word, such as “li- li- like.”
\n\u2022 Prolongation of a sound such as “ssssss”
\n\u2022 Complete stoppage of speech or the omission of a sound.
\n\u2022 Repeated interruption of speech with sounds such as “uh” or “um.”<\/p>\n
Stuttering can begin at any age, but it’s most common among children who are learning to form words into sentences. Boys are more likely than girls to stutter.<\/p>\n
Approximately one out of every 20 children will develop stuttering that lasts for more than six months, but this does not necessarily mean that stuttering is going to be a lifelong problem. Knowing what to look for and responding appropriately to your child’s stuttering will go a long way toward preventing it from becoming a more long-term or even permanent condition.<\/p>\n
Why does stuttering begin? At one time many people thought that stuttering was the result of either physical or emotional trauma. While there are rare instances of stuttering following traumatic events, this is not the typical factor when determining why stuttering begins. Instead, experts point to other factors that contribute to stuttering:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Family History \u2013 According to research, 60% of all stutterers have someone in the family who also stutters.
\n\u2022 Child Development. – Children who have other language and speech problems are more likely to stutter than children who don’t.
\n\u2022 Neurophysiology \u2013 Which part of the brain processes language can contribute in identifying why some children stutter
\n\u2022 Family Dynamics – Some children’s stuttering has been attributed to high family expectations and a fast-paced lifestyle.<\/p>\n
Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about your child’s stuttering. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist known as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who can evaluate your child and determine whether or not there is a risk of a long-term problem. In most cases, treatment primarily focuses on training and working with the parents to develop techniques to help the child cope with and get beyond his or her stuttering.<\/p>\n
Parents of children who stutter can also help by creating a relaxing atmosphere at home that encourages speech, even if a stutter is present. Some tips include:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Create opportunities for talking that are relaxed, fun, and enjoyable.
\n\u2022 When conversing with your child, try to create an environment with limiting distractions, such as the presence of television.
\n\u2022 Don’t be critical of your child’s speech or insist on precise or correct speech. Don\u2019t correct his speech, or complete his sentences.
\n\u2022 Don’t put pressure on your child to verbally interact with others when stuttering becomes a problem.
\n\u2022 Listen attentively to what your child is saying, maintaining normal eye contact without displaying signs of impatience or frustration.
\n\u2022 Model a slow, relaxed way of speaking to help your child slow down his own speech.
\n\u2022 Don’t be afraid to talk with your child about stuttering and answer questions. Explain that disruptions in speech are common.<\/p>\n
Jamaica Hospital joins the effort to raise awareness about stuttering. Through understanding the factors that lead to stuttering and providing support to those who stutter will help those with this problem.<\/p>\n
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The National Stuttering Awareness Week is an observance in the United States for those who stutter. It was established in 1988, by a President’s proclamation as the second week in May in response to the advocacy of the members of … Continue reading