Stuttering is a communication disorder in which a person’s flow of speech is disrupted by disfluencies. Some disfluencies in speech are more typical than others. Less typical disfluencies that may be red flags for stuttering include repeating syllables, sounds, or words (i.e. I-I-I-I-I like ice cream); prolonging a sound for a period of time (i.e. I llllllllllike ice cream); or unexpected pauses in speech where no sound comes out at all (i.e. I ———- like ice cream). Speech therapy for children who stutter at a pediatric therapy clinic is an integral part of treatment and provides parents with resources to make their home environment as fluency-friendly as possible.
Treatment for stuttering in preschool-age children involves making changes at home during daily routines, as well as attending skilled speech therapy. At home, it can help when communication partners slow down their own speech and talk to the child in a relaxed, unhurried manner. This also provides a model for the child to reduce their own speaking rate. Next, try not to interrupt the child or finish their sentences for them. Show active listening and interest in the child’s message to show them what they say matters, no matter how they are saying it. When conversing, reduce demands on the child by letting them lead the conversation and reducing the number of questions you ask them. Set aside one-on-one time to play and converse with your child daily, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes. Turn the TV or phones off, follow their lead, and give them your full attention to reduce any competition for their communication.