Stuttering (cont.)
How is stuttering diagnosed?
Stuttering is generally diagnosed by a
speech-language pathologist, a professional who is specially trained to test and
treat individuals with voice, speech and language disorders. The diagnosis is
usually based on the history of the disorder, such as when it was first noticed
and under what circumstances, as well as a complete evaluation of speech and
language abilities.
How is stuttering treated?
There are a variety of treatments available for
stuttering. Any of the methods may improve stuttering to some degree, but there
is at present no cure for stuttering. Stuttering therapy, however, may help
prevent developmental stuttering from becoming a life-long problem. Therefore a
speech evaluation is recommended for children who stutter for longer than six
months or for those whose stuttering is accompanied by struggle behaviors.
Developmental stuttering is often treated by educating parents about
restructuring the child's speaking environment to reduce the episodes of
stuttering. Parents are often urged to:
- provide a relaxed home environment that provides ample opportunities for the
child to speak. Setting aside specific times when the child and parent can speak
free of distractions is often helpful.
- refrain from criticizing the child's speech or reacting negatively to the
child's disfluencies. Parents should avoid punishing the child for any
disfluencies or asking the child repeat stuttered words until they are spoken
fluently.
- resist encouraging the child to perform verbally for people.
- listen attentively to the child when he or she speaks.
- speak slowly and in a relaxed manner. If a parent speaks this way, the child
will often speak in the same slow, relaxed manner.
- wait for the child to say the intended word. Don't try to complete the
child's thoughts.
- talk openly to the child about stuttering if he or she brings up the subject.
Many of the currently popular therapy programs for persistent stuttering
focus on relearning how to speak or unlearning faulty ways of speaking. The
psychological side effects of stuttering that often occur, such as fear of
speaking to strangers or in public, are also addressed in most of these
programs.
Other forms of therapy utilize interventions such as medications or
electronic devices. Medications or drugs which affect brain function often have
side effects that make them difficult to use for long-term treatment. Electronic
devices which help an individual control fluency may be more of a bother than a
help in most speaking situations and are often abandoned by individuals who
stutter.
Unconventional methods of stuttering therapy also exist. It is always a good
policy to check the credentials, experience and goals of the person offering
treatment. Avoid working with anyone who promises a "cure" for stuttering.
Next: What research is being done about stuttering? »
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