Aesop
05-11-2004, 02:57 AM
How to handle stuttering child
FLINT
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Sunday, April 25, 2004
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
Slow and relax your own speaking style. This is more helpful than telling a child to slow down.
Reduce the number of questions you ask your child.
Use facial expressions and body language to convey to your child that you are listening to the content of his message and not how he is talking.
Set aside a few minutes at a regular time each day when you can give your undivided attention to your child.
Help family members learn to take turns talking and listening.
Convey that you accept your child as he is.
Don't assume the problem will go away. While many young children who stutter do outgrow the disorder, it is not possible to differentiate which children will outgrow stuttering on their own and which will require treatment.
Seek an evaluation from a speech-language pathologist who specializes in fluency. Public schools are required by law to provide treatment for children who stutter, but school speech pathologists often lack the specialized training needed to evaluate and treat stuttering. The Stuttering Foundation of America, (800) 992-9392, can make recommendations.
How to react to someone who stutters:
Refrain from making remarks like "Slow down," or "Relax." Such simplistic advice can be felt as demeaning.
Let the person know by your manner that you are listening to what he or she says -- not how they say it.
Maintain natural eye contact and wait patiently until the person is finished.
Use a relaxed, but not unnaturally slow, rate in your own speech.
Be aware that those who stutter usually have more trouble controlling their speech on the telephone. Be patient. If you pick up the phone and hear nothing, be sure it is not a person who stutters trying to initiate the conversation before you hang up.
- The Stuttering Foundation of America
***
http://www.mlive.com/news/fljournal/features/index.ssf?/base/features-2/1082904665143950.xml
FLINT
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Sunday, April 25, 2004
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
Slow and relax your own speaking style. This is more helpful than telling a child to slow down.
Reduce the number of questions you ask your child.
Use facial expressions and body language to convey to your child that you are listening to the content of his message and not how he is talking.
Set aside a few minutes at a regular time each day when you can give your undivided attention to your child.
Help family members learn to take turns talking and listening.
Convey that you accept your child as he is.
Don't assume the problem will go away. While many young children who stutter do outgrow the disorder, it is not possible to differentiate which children will outgrow stuttering on their own and which will require treatment.
Seek an evaluation from a speech-language pathologist who specializes in fluency. Public schools are required by law to provide treatment for children who stutter, but school speech pathologists often lack the specialized training needed to evaluate and treat stuttering. The Stuttering Foundation of America, (800) 992-9392, can make recommendations.
How to react to someone who stutters:
Refrain from making remarks like "Slow down," or "Relax." Such simplistic advice can be felt as demeaning.
Let the person know by your manner that you are listening to what he or she says -- not how they say it.
Maintain natural eye contact and wait patiently until the person is finished.
Use a relaxed, but not unnaturally slow, rate in your own speech.
Be aware that those who stutter usually have more trouble controlling their speech on the telephone. Be patient. If you pick up the phone and hear nothing, be sure it is not a person who stutters trying to initiate the conversation before you hang up.
- The Stuttering Foundation of America
***
http://www.mlive.com/news/fljournal/features/index.ssf?/base/features-2/1082904665143950.xml