What is stammering/stuttering?
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Stammering or stuttering refer to the same speech fluency disorder.
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Stammering describes speech that is hesitant, stumbling, tense or jerky.
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individuals may repeat whole words or the art of words. Examples include m-m-m-mine or can-can-can I have that?
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Individuals may prolong the first sound in a word, e.g. S——unshine
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Sometimes sounds or words may get completely stuck and nothing comes out for a few seconds. This is called a block.
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Will he/she grow out of it?
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Between the ages of 2 and 6 years it is common or children to repeat words an phrases or hesitate when forming a word or sentence.
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Learning to talk is never completely smooth and usually involves some bumps as your child organises new vocabulary, grammar etc. and tries to verbalise a sentence or tell a story.
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Most children will pass through this phase with ease.
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Early intervention for all children showing signs of struggle is imperative to help the individual speak easier and also to prevent negative thoughts and behaviours.
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What can you do to help?
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Listen to what the individual is saying not how s/he is saying it.
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Let the individual know that you are interested in what s/he has to say.
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Keep eye contact especially if he/she is struggling.
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Encourage family members to take turns when talking and sharing information at home.
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If the person is aware of the stammer reassure him/her that everyone has difficulty clearly saying words sometimes.
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If you are worried about someone with a stammer, contact Clearspeech today for more information about individual and group sessions. Call 0879700688, email or contact online.