Archive for November, 2009
Children Who Stutter Are In-Born?
Stuttering is a communication disorder characterized by disruptions in speech. Catherine S. Montgomery, executive director of the American Institute for Stuttering, says that people who stutter have a “physical disorder with genetic and neurological roots that typically presents itself when a child is very young.” Children who stutter usually begin around ages 2 to 8 years of age, with acquired adult stuttering being a very rare form of the disorder. Early intervention is usually the key to nipping this problem in the bud and creating strong lifelong communication skills.
Parent reaction is particularly important in encouraging a child who stutters to speak more fluently. Sometimes it’s a knee-jerk reaction to correct people who stutter by interjecting the attempted word as it should be said. Other times, parents aren’t sure what to say and authoritatively command their kids to “think before speaking,” “focus and try again” or “slow down.” Unfortunately, these sentiments of disappointment or alarm can undermine a child’s self-confidence and create a flood of negative emotions that accompany the act of communication. In most cases, stuttering and anxiety go hand-in-hand. While younger children may be able to shrug it off, elementary school kids, teenagers and adults develop aversions and deep-seated insecurities associated with language that makes treatment more challenging. Therefore, it’s important that parents meet with local community support groups to learn more about childhood stuttering.
Games and puzzles provide exciting opportunities to engage children who stutter. Some of the most popular speech therapy games include: You Are In Control (www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/TherapyWWW/youareincontrol.pdf), Stuttering Word Find(www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/TherapyWWW/stutteringwordfind.htm), Stuttering Awareness Game (www.quia.com/cb/2807.html) and Stuttering Jeopardy (www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/kids/jeopardy.html). Fun computer programs have fared best in studies as far as long-term retention goes. Nearly 75% of children who study independently overcome their stuttering problems without the help of a speech pathologist.
Children who stutter may feel “stupid” going to speech/stuttering therapy, which is why the role of the parent is so vital to the child’s reading abilities. Parents can participate in their local Stuttering Foundation community group. Otherwise, they should speak slowly and deliberately, while always asking the child how his or her day went and positively encouraging communication. There is still so much to learn about the direct causes and cures of this disorder, so it would make sense to join a related association for their informative newsletters on recent breakthroughs.
Jeremy Larson is a foremost expert in how to acid reflux cure. He has had extensive experience and conducted countless experiments in finding natural remedy to this ailment. He is also a highly acclaimed writer in the medical field.