Can you, you, you, you help me? Sometimes, a child will make a prolonged sound like "sssssssmile. " � Both of these are types of stuttering. � �
Many children have problems with stuttering between 11/2 and 5 years of age. Often, it gets better over time. Sometimes, it is a sign of a more serious health problem. Stuttering can impact your childs daily life if it goes on for a long time and is not treated. It may cause problems like low self-esteem or your child may refuse to speak in public. Sometimes, stuttering may cause social anxiety. Children who stutter may also be bullied. � �
What are the causes?
Doctors do not know exactly why some children stutter. There may be problems with managing the muscles around the mouth. There may also be problems with the brain or nerves. In very rare occasions, a child has had a head injury or an emotional trauma that causes the stuttering. � �
What can make this more likely to happen?
Stuttering tends to run in families. Boys are more likely to have this problem than girls. Emotional stress can make this more likely to happen. � �
What are the main signs?
- Repeating the first part of the word
- Making a longer sound in a word
- Finding it hard to start a word
- Putting extra sound like "um" or "uh" in between words in a sentence
- Long pause during sentence
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will take your childs history and do an exam. The doctor will carefully look at your child's mouth. You may be sent to an expert who works with helping people with speech problems. This is a speech pathologist. This expert will want to learn about when your child started stuttering. The expert will also talk with your child to hear how your child speaks. Together, you will make a plan for treatment. � �
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
It is important to treat this condition early. Most often, doctors like to start treatment before a child begins to go to school. This is the time when a child learns speech skills. Treatment for this problem includes speech therapy and counseling. � �
Are there other health problems to treat?
If the speech disorder is caused by other health problems or illnesses, the doctor will treat them. � �
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Here are ways you may be able to help your child. � �
- Help your child feel relaxed and calm. Speak slowly to your child and give your child time to answer.
- Turn down the TV or radio when talking with your child. Give your child your full attention. Keep eye contact with your child.
- Focus on what your child says and not the stuttering. Do not interrupt your child. Be a good listener.
- Acknowledge and praise your child. Do not scold your child for stuttering. Be sensitive to your childs feelings.
- Talk with siblings. They can play a role in helping their brother or sister as well.
Will there be any other care needed?
The doctor may order therapy to help your child. � �
- Speech and language therapy � � � Will help your child use certain muscles and do breathing exercises. Your child will learn to speak slowly.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy � � � To learn about your childs thoughts or feelings that may cause the stuttering.
- Family counseling � � � Teaches parents, guardians, and siblings how to help the child improve speech at home.
Where can I learn more?
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association � �
http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/stuttering.htm � �
NHS Choices � �
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stammering/Pages/Introduction.aspx � �
Stuttering Foundation of American � �
http://www.stutteringhelp.org/ � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
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