Fluency Therapy

We all stutter sometimes. We may get stuck on words, or add fillers like "um"  when we are talking, or even repeat a word twice. It happens to all of us. But if it happens too often, then we might have a problem. 

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How do we recognise a problem? Listen for the following types of disfluencies:

• Blocks - getting stuck  on a sound or having trouble getting a word out [eg. my ......shoe]

• Prolongations - stretching a sound for longe than normal [eg. ssshhhhhoe]

• Repetitions - repeating a sound or a part/whole word [ eg. sh-sh-sh-shoe]

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Stuttering also manifests through body tension, facial tension and some social signs - like withdrawal, not wanting to talk, being shy or avoiding certain words that they are likely to stutter on.

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Here are some tips on when to consult a speech therapist, if you are worried about your child's stuttering:

• if the stuttering has lasted more than 6 months 

• if there is family history of stuttering (i.e. someone in your family had the same problem)

• if your child is older than 3 and a half - 4 years

• your child suddenly starts to stutter more 

• there are other speech problems present 

• your child struggles to speak 

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Reference: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/stuttering/

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With therapy, your child will be able to speak smoothly, and have more confidence to participate in school and with friends.