"by Dennis Drayna, PhD National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders National Institutes of Health
Stuttering has long been known to cluster in families, and much evidence has accumulated that genetic factors help cause stuttering in some cases. However, the lack of clear inheritance patterns in stuttering has made genetic studies slow and difficult.
A new study recently published in the journal Nature has now established the importance of specific genes in speech disorders. A group in London led by Dr. Tony Monaco has done research that has lead to the identification of a specific gene on chromosome 7 necessary for proper speech production. They have designated this gene Speech1.
This research team has been studying an unusual family, known as the KE family, in which many members are affected with a speech disorder that affects both the ability to construct proper sentence structure and also the ability to produce speech sounds. Dr. Monaco's team found mutations in the Speech1 gene are the cause of this disorder. The Speech1 gene itself appears to code for a genetic switch, that is, a molecule that turns other genes on and off.
Through this group of other genes, it appears that Speech1 may control the development of parts of the body, including the brain, which are specifically involved in speech production. It is believed that studies of the Speech1 gene and the other genes it controls will lead to important new insights into how speech is produced, and could help lead to treatments of other speech disorders, including stuttering. " copied from www.stutteringhelp.org
More information about research on stuttering can be found on this page of The Stuttering Foundation's web site http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=35
Self Therapy book can be downloaded free
There are many web sites where you can purchase a "stuttering therapy" either through the mail or a download on the site. The book that helped my family, Self Therapy for the Stutterer, is available for free download here http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=630. Other books are on that page, plus Sometimes I Just Stutter is on this page http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=209.
One thing especially nice about the Foundation's books and videos are that they are available free at most public libraries or for a very low cost if you prefer your own copy. You don't have to pay a cent for the downloads. That's because the man who started it was a stutterer and really wanted to help others in the same situation.
One thing especially nice about the Foundation's books and videos are that they are available free at most public libraries or for a very low cost if you prefer your own copy. You don't have to pay a cent for the downloads. That's because the man who started it was a stutterer and really wanted to help others in the same situation.
study on adults who stutter
McGill University is doing a study on adults who stutter. Get more information here:
http://www.stutteringhelp.org/default.aspx?tabindex=640&tabid=653
http://www.stutteringhelp.org/default.aspx?tabindex=640&tabid=653
Confidence is the best cure for stuttering
Read about some teens who stutter and who believe that gaining confidence in yourself is the best thing to help with stuttering. At the end of this page http://www.stutteringhelp.org/default.aspx?tabindex=635&tabid=648 is a link to a presentation they put together. It is certainly worth watching. Take time for it to buffer and play smoothly.
Stuttering in school
Many students who stutter, no matter what age, do not participate in class and dread speaking assignments because they are "afraid of stuttering." Some students have found that they do better if the teacher allows them to do a presentation about stuttering. That helps the rest of the class understand what a stutterer goes through. Teachers can help with these tips from the Stuttering Foundation of America:
"8 tips for teachers
1. Don’t tell the child “slow down” or “ just relax.”
2. Don’t complete words for the child or talk for him or her.
3. Help all members of the class learn to take turns talking and listening. All children — and especially those who stutter — find it much easier to talk when there are few interruptions and they have the listener’s attention.
4. Expect the same quality and quantity of work from the student who stutters as the one who doesn’t.
5. Speak with the student in an unhurried way, pausing frequently.
6. Convey that you are listening to the content of the message, not how it is said.
7. Have a one-on-one conversation with the student who stutters about needed accommodations in the classroom. Respect the student’s needs, but do not be enabling.
8. Don’t make stuttering something to be ashamed of. Talk about stuttering just like any other matter.
Compiled by Lisa Scott, Ph.D., The Florida State University"
"8 tips for teachers
1. Don’t tell the child “slow down” or “ just relax.”
2. Don’t complete words for the child or talk for him or her.
3. Help all members of the class learn to take turns talking and listening. All children — and especially those who stutter — find it much easier to talk when there are few interruptions and they have the listener’s attention.
4. Expect the same quality and quantity of work from the student who stutters as the one who doesn’t.
5. Speak with the student in an unhurried way, pausing frequently.
6. Convey that you are listening to the content of the message, not how it is said.
7. Have a one-on-one conversation with the student who stutters about needed accommodations in the classroom. Respect the student’s needs, but do not be enabling.
8. Don’t make stuttering something to be ashamed of. Talk about stuttering just like any other matter.
Compiled by Lisa Scott, Ph.D., The Florida State University"
How people can help when talking with someone who stutters
These tips are from The Stuttering Foundation of America:
"Stuttering may look like an easy problem that can be solved with some simple advice, but for many adults, it can be a chronic life-long disorder. Here are some ways that you, the listener, can help.
1. Don’t make remarks like: “Slow down,” “Take a breath,” or “Relax.” Such simplistic advice can be felt as demeaning and is not helpful.
2. Let the person know by your manner that you are listening to what he or she says — not how they say it.
3. Maintain natural eye contact and wait patiently and naturally until the person is finished.
4. You may be tempted to finish sentences or fill in words. Try not to. Use a relatively relaxed rate in your own speech — but not so slow as to sound unnatural. This promotes good communication.
5. Be aware that those who stutter usually have more trouble controlling their speech on the telephone. Please be patient in this situation. If you pick up the phone and hear nothing, be sure it is not a person who stutters trying to start the conversation before you hang up.
6. Speak in an unhurried way — but not so slowly as to sound unnatural. This promotes good communication with everyone.
"Stuttering may look like an easy problem that can be solved with some simple advice, but for many adults, it can be a chronic life-long disorder. Here are some ways that you, the listener, can help.
1. Don’t make remarks like: “Slow down,” “Take a breath,” or “Relax.” Such simplistic advice can be felt as demeaning and is not helpful.
2. Let the person know by your manner that you are listening to what he or she says — not how they say it.
3. Maintain natural eye contact and wait patiently and naturally until the person is finished.
4. You may be tempted to finish sentences or fill in words. Try not to. Use a relatively relaxed rate in your own speech — but not so slow as to sound unnatural. This promotes good communication.
5. Be aware that those who stutter usually have more trouble controlling their speech on the telephone. Please be patient in this situation. If you pick up the phone and hear nothing, be sure it is not a person who stutters trying to start the conversation before you hang up.
6. Speak in an unhurried way — but not so slowly as to sound unnatural. This promotes good communication with everyone.
Resources to help with teasing
These resources are from http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=147
Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain, by T. Romain. This book mixes humor with practical suggestions to help children ages 8-13 become “bully-proof,” get help in dangerous situations, and stop bullies from hurting others. Information for bullies is also included to help them get along with others and feel good about themselves without having to make others feel bad. Order from Free Spirit Publishing, 1-800-735-7323 or www.amazon.com.
Sticks and Stones: 7 Ways Your Child Can Deal with Teasing, Conflict, and Other Hard Times by S. Cooper. This book helps parents of children ages 4-12 teach their children the verbal skills they need to defend against hurtful words others say to them. There are examples and sample scripts that help children learn how to speak up for themselves, shut down bullies, counter peer pressure, deal with fights, etc. Order from Free Spirit Publishing, 1-800-735-7323 or www.amazon.com.
The Bully Free Classroom: Over 100 Tips and Strategies for Teachers K-8, by A. L. Beane. More than 100 practical strategies for prevention and intervention with teasing and bullying that can be used immediately can be found in this book. It includes 45 pages of reproducible handout masters. Order from Free Spirit Publishing, 1-800-735-7323 or www.amazon.com.
We Can Get Along: A Child’s Book of Choices, by L. M. Payne & C. Rohling. For children in ages 3-8, this book teaches conflict resolution and peacemaking skills in a way that young children can understand. Order from Free Spirit Publishing, 1-800-735-7323 or www.amazon.com. A Leader’s Guide can also be ordered that includes activities, discussion questions, and reproducible handouts for parents.
Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain, by T. Romain. This book mixes humor with practical suggestions to help children ages 8-13 become “bully-proof,” get help in dangerous situations, and stop bullies from hurting others. Information for bullies is also included to help them get along with others and feel good about themselves without having to make others feel bad. Order from Free Spirit Publishing, 1-800-735-7323 or www.amazon.com.
Sticks and Stones: 7 Ways Your Child Can Deal with Teasing, Conflict, and Other Hard Times by S. Cooper. This book helps parents of children ages 4-12 teach their children the verbal skills they need to defend against hurtful words others say to them. There are examples and sample scripts that help children learn how to speak up for themselves, shut down bullies, counter peer pressure, deal with fights, etc. Order from Free Spirit Publishing, 1-800-735-7323 or www.amazon.com.
The Bully Free Classroom: Over 100 Tips and Strategies for Teachers K-8, by A. L. Beane. More than 100 practical strategies for prevention and intervention with teasing and bullying that can be used immediately can be found in this book. It includes 45 pages of reproducible handout masters. Order from Free Spirit Publishing, 1-800-735-7323 or www.amazon.com.
We Can Get Along: A Child’s Book of Choices, by L. M. Payne & C. Rohling. For children in ages 3-8, this book teaches conflict resolution and peacemaking skills in a way that young children can understand. Order from Free Spirit Publishing, 1-800-735-7323 or www.amazon.com. A Leader’s Guide can also be ordered that includes activities, discussion questions, and reproducible handouts for parents.
A page just for kids who stutter
Children have a hard enough time as they go through life, but for a child who stutters it is harder. Most children who stutter don't know anybody else who stutters and feel that they are the only ones with the delimma of wanting to be able to talk like everyone else. This page on the Stuttering Foundation of America's web site http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=25 is just for those children who want to see that there are others going through the same thing they are. The Foundation prints letters and pictures in both their newsletter and puts them on this page. Children are encouraged to express their feelings about stuttering and draw pictures that represent stuttering.
Stuttering and Jeffrey Blitz
"When I was a high school sophomore, I went to my first debate tournament. I blocked on my very first word and stayed blocked on it for the entire 8 minutes I was allocated. I tried to never forget the frustration (and, in a dark way, the humor) of that moment." Jeffrey Blitz, writer and producer of Rocket Science
Find more about an interview with Jeffrey Blitz at http://www.stutteringhelp.org/default.aspx?tabindex=630&tabid=643.
This is certainly an example of the extremely frustrating experiences that people who stutter go through on a daily basis. Not being able to verbalize what you want to say can make anyone frustrated. For those that stutter, knowing that you are not the only one and that many people have gone on to have successful careers after learning how to control their stuttering should give you the determination to learn the techniques and practice them.
A speech therapist who is trained to work with stutterers can be found in every state. Start here if you live in the United States http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=206. Go here http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=207 if you live in another country.
Find more about an interview with Jeffrey Blitz at http://www.stutteringhelp.org/default.aspx?tabindex=630&tabid=643.
This is certainly an example of the extremely frustrating experiences that people who stutter go through on a daily basis. Not being able to verbalize what you want to say can make anyone frustrated. For those that stutter, knowing that you are not the only one and that many people have gone on to have successful careers after learning how to control their stuttering should give you the determination to learn the techniques and practice them.
A speech therapist who is trained to work with stutterers can be found in every state. Start here if you live in the United States http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=206. Go here http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=207 if you live in another country.
Accentuate the positive
We need to concentrate on our assets and develop those things about us that we can change while we are working on making our speech better. Stopping or lessening stuttering won't happen overnight. It is something that requires work and persistance. At the same time, we will become a better person if we work on our relationships with others, treating others kindly (whether or not they are kind to us), developing varied interests so we have things to talk about as well as different things to do, involve others in our plans, and do these things without hiding in the shadows trying to keep people from hearing us stutter. If we concentrate on the stuttering and spend all of our time trying not to stutter, the stuttering will only get worse. If we concentrate on other things and let the stuttering happen while we are working on it by going to speech therapy or working on techniques on our own, things will be much better. Those stutterers who accept themselves as they are and enjoy life while they stutter are much better off than those who restrict their talking because they are afraid to stutter, who restrict their invitations to be with others because they don't want to stutter, etc.
Communication pressures
Communication pressures cause many trials and tribulations for those who stutter. Students should ask that they be allowed to recite first or close to the first as they are more likely to stutter if they must wait behind half the class for their turn. They should also let their teacher know that they have good days and worse days and that is why they participate in class one day and not the next.
Stutterers who are in the workforce should do the same thing with their employers and coworkers. It is better to tell them upfront that you stutter and that certain things help you or hinder you. You will be accepted better as part of the team if you talk with them about your speech and let them know how they can help you.
Stutterers who are in the workforce should do the same thing with their employers and coworkers. It is better to tell them upfront that you stutter and that certain things help you or hinder you. You will be accepted better as part of the team if you talk with them about your speech and let them know how they can help you.
Tips for doing a presentation if you stutter
Know your subject matter really well and practice reading to your dog or just out loud to yourself ahead of time.
Look over the heads of the class at a point on the wall in the back of the room. The class will think you are looking at them, and the teacher will think you are looking at your audience.
Don't notice any reaction from the class. Their reaction doesn't matter, but it might make you feel more nervous.
Concentrate on what you are saying rather than how you are saying it.
Don't try to keep from stuttering as that will make you stutter more. If you stutter, just let it happen.
Maintain a steady pace, not too fast, and don't get in a hurry to "get it over with."
Speak in a relaxed manner and pause every so often.
Start into words easily keeping your lips, tongue, and jaw relaxed.
Look over the heads of the class at a point on the wall in the back of the room. The class will think you are looking at them, and the teacher will think you are looking at your audience.
Don't notice any reaction from the class. Their reaction doesn't matter, but it might make you feel more nervous.
Concentrate on what you are saying rather than how you are saying it.
Don't try to keep from stuttering as that will make you stutter more. If you stutter, just let it happen.
Maintain a steady pace, not too fast, and don't get in a hurry to "get it over with."
Speak in a relaxed manner and pause every so often.
Start into words easily keeping your lips, tongue, and jaw relaxed.
Study on anxiety and stuttering
For those parents whose children start stuttering, they are encouraged to seek help through The Stuttering Foundation of America so they know how best to handle the situation. The earlier you can help a child who stutters, the better. A recent study shows that anxiety is not a cause of stuttering.
Bianca Phaal, a masters student in the Department of Communication Disorders, has just completed a study looking at the anxiety levels of a group of three and four-year-olds who were at the onset of stuttering and compared this with a control group of non-stuttering children.
She examined anxiety by collecting saliva samples from each child and measured the steroid levels of a substance called "cortisol". Cortisol is a hormone released during periods of heightened anxiety, and can be measured in saliva by chewing on a dental roll. She also conducted communication apprehension tests with the children and surveyed their parents, asking them to rate their children’s anxiety levels in different situations.
Working with biochemist Dr John Lewis, Bianca found no higher anxiety levels in children who stutter compared to non-stuttering children.
“There were no significant differences between the children who stutter and those who don’t according to either of the measures of anxiety or the communication apprehension measure, neither was there any relationship between stuttering severity and anxiety or communication apprehension,” Bianca said.
“Results of this study suggested that generalised anxiety and communication apprehension are not associated with early childhood stuttering, therefore it is unlikely anxiety is the root cause of stuttering.
“However, should early childhood stuttering persist, negative experiences in speaking situations could lead to the development of communication apprehension and perhaps generalised anxiety. Early intervention for stuttering may thus be crucial in preventing this development.”
Bianca Phaal, a masters student in the Department of Communication Disorders, has just completed a study looking at the anxiety levels of a group of three and four-year-olds who were at the onset of stuttering and compared this with a control group of non-stuttering children.
She examined anxiety by collecting saliva samples from each child and measured the steroid levels of a substance called "cortisol". Cortisol is a hormone released during periods of heightened anxiety, and can be measured in saliva by chewing on a dental roll. She also conducted communication apprehension tests with the children and surveyed their parents, asking them to rate their children’s anxiety levels in different situations.
Working with biochemist Dr John Lewis, Bianca found no higher anxiety levels in children who stutter compared to non-stuttering children.
“There were no significant differences between the children who stutter and those who don’t according to either of the measures of anxiety or the communication apprehension measure, neither was there any relationship between stuttering severity and anxiety or communication apprehension,” Bianca said.
“Results of this study suggested that generalised anxiety and communication apprehension are not associated with early childhood stuttering, therefore it is unlikely anxiety is the root cause of stuttering.
“However, should early childhood stuttering persist, negative experiences in speaking situations could lead to the development of communication apprehension and perhaps generalised anxiety. Early intervention for stuttering may thus be crucial in preventing this development.”
Helping a child who stutters
These suggestions are from The Stuttering Foundation of America and can be used to help a toddler who has just started to stutter or an older child. Following these guidelines can help a child so he/she has less of a problem with stuttering. Showing frustration, exasperation, or disgust with his speach will only serve to make him fear speaking and will make the stuttering worse.
7 Ways to Help the Child Who Stutters
compiled by Barry Guitar, Ph.D. and Edward G. Conture, Ph.D.
1. Speak with your child in an unhurried way, pausing frequently. Wait a few seconds after your child finishes speaking before you begin to speak. Your own slow, relaxed speech will be far more effective than any criticism or advice such as "slow down" or "try it again slowly."
2. Reduce the number of questions you ask your child. Children speak more freely if they are expressing their own ideas rather than answering an adult's questions. Instead of asking questions, simply comment on what your child has said, thereby letting him know you heard him.
3. Use your facial expressions and other body language to convey to your child that you are listening to the content of her message and not to how she's talking.
4. Set aside a few minutes at a regular time each day when you can give your undivided attention to your child. During this time, let the child choose what he would like to do. Let him direct you in activities and decide himself whether to talk or not. When you talk during this special time, use slow, calm, and relaxed speech, with plenty of pauses. This quiet, calm time can be a confidence-builder for younger children, letting them know that a parent enjoys their company. As the child gets older, it can be a time when the child feels comfortable talking about his feelings and experiences with a parent.
5. Help all members of the family learn to take turns talking and listening. Children, especially those who stutter, find it much easier to talk when there are few interruptions and they have the listeners' attention.
6. Observe the way you interact with your child. Try to increase those times that give your child the message that you are listening to her and she has plenty of time to talk. Try to decrease criticisms, rapid speech patterns, interruptions, and questions.
7. Above all, convey that you accept your child as he is. The most powerful force will be your support of him, whether he stutters or not.
7 Ways to Help the Child Who Stutters
compiled by Barry Guitar, Ph.D. and Edward G. Conture, Ph.D.
1. Speak with your child in an unhurried way, pausing frequently. Wait a few seconds after your child finishes speaking before you begin to speak. Your own slow, relaxed speech will be far more effective than any criticism or advice such as "slow down" or "try it again slowly."
2. Reduce the number of questions you ask your child. Children speak more freely if they are expressing their own ideas rather than answering an adult's questions. Instead of asking questions, simply comment on what your child has said, thereby letting him know you heard him.
3. Use your facial expressions and other body language to convey to your child that you are listening to the content of her message and not to how she's talking.
4. Set aside a few minutes at a regular time each day when you can give your undivided attention to your child. During this time, let the child choose what he would like to do. Let him direct you in activities and decide himself whether to talk or not. When you talk during this special time, use slow, calm, and relaxed speech, with plenty of pauses. This quiet, calm time can be a confidence-builder for younger children, letting them know that a parent enjoys their company. As the child gets older, it can be a time when the child feels comfortable talking about his feelings and experiences with a parent.
5. Help all members of the family learn to take turns talking and listening. Children, especially those who stutter, find it much easier to talk when there are few interruptions and they have the listeners' attention.
6. Observe the way you interact with your child. Try to increase those times that give your child the message that you are listening to her and she has plenty of time to talk. Try to decrease criticisms, rapid speech patterns, interruptions, and questions.
7. Above all, convey that you accept your child as he is. The most powerful force will be your support of him, whether he stutters or not.
Great Video for teens and adults who stutter
This video by The Stuttering Foundation of America is great for answering many questions about stuttering. One good point is that speech therapy works for teens and adults; it is never too late to get help. Go here to view If You Stutter: Advice for Adults http://www.stutteringhelp.org/default.aspx?tabindex=604&tabid=617. It gives some pointers for self therapy for stuttering.
Fear of Speaking
The book "Self Therapy for the Stutterer" explains the fear of speaking so a fluent person can understand what a person who stutters goes through.
A person who has nothing wrong with his legs "could walk easily without trouble or quite 'fluently' along a long plank, twelve inches wide, when it is placed on the ground.
But if that same plank is placed on a wall high above the ground, then, if asked to walk along the plank, he would probably develop a fear of falling. As a result, it would be difficult for him to walk along the plank in a normal way. In fact he would probably put on a poor exhibition of walking normally or 'fluently.'
This example is somewhat parallel to the problem of a stutterer. Nearly all stutterers have the physical equipment to talk properly, but in most cases the fear of stuttering causes them to try to force trouble-free speech. And since it is difficult to force the articulative mechanism of speech, he does not speak fluently."
A person who has nothing wrong with his legs "could walk easily without trouble or quite 'fluently' along a long plank, twelve inches wide, when it is placed on the ground.
But if that same plank is placed on a wall high above the ground, then, if asked to walk along the plank, he would probably develop a fear of falling. As a result, it would be difficult for him to walk along the plank in a normal way. In fact he would probably put on a poor exhibition of walking normally or 'fluently.'
This example is somewhat parallel to the problem of a stutterer. Nearly all stutterers have the physical equipment to talk properly, but in most cases the fear of stuttering causes them to try to force trouble-free speech. And since it is difficult to force the articulative mechanism of speech, he does not speak fluently."
Speech Therapy for young children
This letter was in the Chicago Daily Herald and points out the need for speech therapy provisions especially for young children. It should have also included the web site for the Stuttering Foundation of America where a list of speech therapists who are trained to work with stuttering can be found http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=109.
"Your article "Most children will eventually outgrow stuttering" was very informative and I am sure it will help the parents of children who are struggling with stuttering.
One percent of the adult population stutters, while about 4 percent of children experience some form of stuttering . Seventy-five percent of these children do outgrow the problem.
While the treatment of childhood stuttering has spawned many different and opposing theories, one constant is that speech therapists agree early intervention with a child through speech therapy is a must.
My wife and I have been very pleased with the Stuttering Foundation of America as it has a national listing of speech therapists that specialize in stuttering.
Also, we have found this organization's resources most helpful as they offer many books and DVDs for children, parents and teachers.
It would be nice if speech therapy in general was given more attention. Every presidential election cycle there is talk of "health care reform," but none of the health care initiatives floated in Washington over the last 15 years have made any provisions for speech therapy.
More attention has to be given to speech therapy for all kinds of speech disorders, especially those of children.
Carlo J. Peluso
Arlington Heights"
"Your article "Most children will eventually outgrow stuttering" was very informative and I am sure it will help the parents of children who are struggling with stuttering.
One percent of the adult population stutters, while about 4 percent of children experience some form of stuttering . Seventy-five percent of these children do outgrow the problem.
While the treatment of childhood stuttering has spawned many different and opposing theories, one constant is that speech therapists agree early intervention with a child through speech therapy is a must.
My wife and I have been very pleased with the Stuttering Foundation of America as it has a national listing of speech therapists that specialize in stuttering.
Also, we have found this organization's resources most helpful as they offer many books and DVDs for children, parents and teachers.
It would be nice if speech therapy in general was given more attention. Every presidential election cycle there is talk of "health care reform," but none of the health care initiatives floated in Washington over the last 15 years have made any provisions for speech therapy.
More attention has to be given to speech therapy for all kinds of speech disorders, especially those of children.
Carlo J. Peluso
Arlington Heights"
Tickling a baby does not cause stuttering!
It is incorrect to believe that tickling a baby will cause stuttering. I have read this several times and have marveled at how people can believe it. For good information about stuttering, people should go to www.stutteringhelp.org. There you can find pages of information including Facts on Stuttering that states "What causes stuttering? There are four factors most likely to contribute to the development of stuttering: genetics ( approximately 60% of those who stutter have a family member who does also); child development (children with other speech and language problems or developmental delays are more likely to stutter); neurophysiology ( recent research has shown that people who stutter process speech and language in different areas of the brain than those who do not stutter); and family dynamics ( high expectations and fast-paced lifestyles can contribute to stuttering).
Stuttering may occur when a combination of factors comes together and may have different causes in different people. It is probable that what causes stuttering differs from what makes it continue or get worse."
Maybe this comment was originally started by a mother or grandmother who was trying to get a sibling to stop tickling a baby. I don't know of anyone who really enjoys being tickled, at least not for any length of time.
Stuttering may occur when a combination of factors comes together and may have different causes in different people. It is probable that what causes stuttering differs from what makes it continue or get worse."
Maybe this comment was originally started by a mother or grandmother who was trying to get a sibling to stop tickling a baby. I don't know of anyone who really enjoys being tickled, at least not for any length of time.
With one of the busiest times of the year upon us at Christmas holidays, many parents will notice a young child start stuttering. Those children, teens, and adults who already stutter will possible find that they stutter more all of a sudden. Although, Christmas is a happy, fun time of the year; it is also a stressful time. Everyone seems to be in a hurry as they have so much to do to prepare for exchanging gifts; shoppers are in a hurry to finish their list; stores and busier and need to move the people through the checkout line quickly; there are visitors in homes making many households double in size, etc.
This is one time that parents need to know and follow the things to do at home to help young children who stutter. Here is the list of things that The Stuttering Foundation of America gives:
1. Speak with your child in an unhurried way, pausing frequently. Wait a few seconds after your child finishes speaking before you begin to speak. Your own slow, relaxed speech will be far more effective than any criticism or advice such as "slow down" or "try it again slowly."
2. Reduce the number of questions you ask your child. Children speak more freely if they are expressing their own ideas rather than answering an adult's questions. Instead of asking questions, simply comment on what your child has said, thereby letting him know you heard him.
3. Use your facial expressions and other body language to convey to your child that you are listening to the content of her message and not to how she's talking.
4. Set aside a few minutes at a regular time each day when you can give your undivided attention to your child. During this time, let the child choose what he would like to do. Let him direct you in activities and decide himself whether to talk or not. When you talk during this special time, use slow, calm, and relaxed speech, with plenty of pauses. This quiet, calm time can be a confidence-builder for younger children, letting them know that a parent enjoys their company. As the child gets older, it can be a time when the child feels comfortable talking about his feelings and experiences with a parent.
5. Help all members of the family learn to take turns talking and listening. Children, especially those who stutter, find it much easier to talk when there are few interruptions and they have the listeners' attention.
6. Observe the way you interact with your child. Try to increase those times that give your child the message that you are listening to her and she has plenty of time to talk. Try to decrease criticisms, rapid speech patterns, interruptions, and questions.
7. Above all, convey that you accept your child as he is. The most powerful force will be your support of him, whether he stutters or not.
Those who stutter need to relax and not let people rush them. Others can take the extra time needed to complete a transaction at the store, give you time to speak with more people in the house, and to be respectful to you. Remember that it is easier to speak in a slow, relaxed manner and just glide on through the stuttering rather than trying not to stutter. The more you try not to stutter, the more you will!
This is one time that parents need to know and follow the things to do at home to help young children who stutter. Here is the list of things that The Stuttering Foundation of America gives:
1. Speak with your child in an unhurried way, pausing frequently. Wait a few seconds after your child finishes speaking before you begin to speak. Your own slow, relaxed speech will be far more effective than any criticism or advice such as "slow down" or "try it again slowly."
2. Reduce the number of questions you ask your child. Children speak more freely if they are expressing their own ideas rather than answering an adult's questions. Instead of asking questions, simply comment on what your child has said, thereby letting him know you heard him.
3. Use your facial expressions and other body language to convey to your child that you are listening to the content of her message and not to how she's talking.
4. Set aside a few minutes at a regular time each day when you can give your undivided attention to your child. During this time, let the child choose what he would like to do. Let him direct you in activities and decide himself whether to talk or not. When you talk during this special time, use slow, calm, and relaxed speech, with plenty of pauses. This quiet, calm time can be a confidence-builder for younger children, letting them know that a parent enjoys their company. As the child gets older, it can be a time when the child feels comfortable talking about his feelings and experiences with a parent.
5. Help all members of the family learn to take turns talking and listening. Children, especially those who stutter, find it much easier to talk when there are few interruptions and they have the listeners' attention.
6. Observe the way you interact with your child. Try to increase those times that give your child the message that you are listening to her and she has plenty of time to talk. Try to decrease criticisms, rapid speech patterns, interruptions, and questions.
7. Above all, convey that you accept your child as he is. The most powerful force will be your support of him, whether he stutters or not.
Those who stutter need to relax and not let people rush them. Others can take the extra time needed to complete a transaction at the store, give you time to speak with more people in the house, and to be respectful to you. Remember that it is easier to speak in a slow, relaxed manner and just glide on through the stuttering rather than trying not to stutter. The more you try not to stutter, the more you will!
Everyone wants to help with stuttering!
Seems that I see more and more blogs and ads offering stuttering assistance. It makes me wonder why I see the same names but on many, many different blogs. It also makes me wonder if they are really trying to help those who stutter or if they just think that people who stutter are dumb enough to pay money over the internet for a "cure." I think those who stutter are smart enough to sort out the ones who are really wanting to help from those who are just trying to make a buck off of their problem. What a sad lot some people are! I just hope and pray that those who stutter or parents of children who start stuttering know the best source of information and help.
People who have any affliction are often so desparate to overcome it that they spend money on unnecessary "treatments" in the hopes that one of them will work. That's why somebody came up with copper bracelets to sell to people with arthritis, I bet.
People who have any affliction are often so desparate to overcome it that they spend money on unnecessary "treatments" in the hopes that one of them will work. That's why somebody came up with copper bracelets to sell to people with arthritis, I bet.
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