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Tips at home to help my child who stutters

Stuttering —or childhood-onset fluency disorder — is a speech disorder that involves frequent and significant problems with typical fluency and flow of speech.

Tips in conjunction with receiving speech therapy:

Create an environment that facilitates fluency!

Speak at a slow rate at home – modeling a slow rate of speech for your child at home

Allow them to take their time speaking to you, as opposed to rushing their thoughts out

Try not to finish their sentences, as it can be discouraging

Avoid critical comments or corrections when they are experiencing disfluencies

Avoid interrupting them when speaking

If the child is very young, demonstrate simple vocabulary and slow pace when speaking

Increase positive feedback

Something that is extremely important to keep in mind when your child is experiencing disfluent speech is to be mindful of their overall emotions, attitudes and confidence. It is extremely important to stay encouraging, especially at home!

A helpful read for teens who stutter: “Stuttering is Cool- A Guide to Stuttering in a Fast-Talking World” by Daniele Rossi

Other forms of support:

Support groups for parents

Children’s support groups

Gradually accept treatment as opposed to dismissing

Dominique Micheletti MA CF SLP

Recourses: Dr. Dorothy Leone Presentation, Iona College 2017.

Dr. Michelle Veyvoda Presentation, Iona College 2017

Roseberry-McKibbin, C., & Hegde, M. (2016). An Advanced Review of Speech-Language Pathology. Austin, TX: Pro-ed.

ASHA.org