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My Stammering Child
Understanding Stammering
Stammering, also known as stuttering, is a speech disorder that affects fluency. It is characterized by repetitions, prolongations, or blocks that disrupt the natural flow of speech. In the United Kingdom, it's estimated that around 1% of the population stammers, and it typically begins in early childhood.
Recognizing the Signs
Parents might notice their child repeating sounds, syllables, or words, prolonging sounds, or experiencing difficulty in starting words. It's crucial to observe if these signs persist over time or if the child shows signs of frustration or embarrassment while speaking.
Handling the Emotional Impact
Stammering can have a significant emotional and psychological impact on a child. They might feel self-conscious, anxious, or afraid to speak in public. As a parent, it's important to create a supportive and understanding environment. Encourage them to express themselves and celebrate their successes, no matter how small.
Professional Support and Resources
Seeking professional help can make a significant difference. The British Stammering Association (BSA), known as STAMMA, offers resources and support for families. Speech and language therapists can provide tailored strategies to improve communication skills and boost confidence.
Practical Tips for Parents
Be patient and give your child the time they need to speak. Avoid finishing their sentences or correcting their speech mid-conversation. Encourage open communication and let them know that stammering is just a small part of who they are. Reading books together and engaging in relaxing activities can also foster a positive speaking environment.
Conclusion
Raising a child who stammers in the UK comes with its unique set of challenges, but with understanding, support, and the right resources, your child can thrive. Celebrate their unique voice and work together to build a future filled with confidence and self-expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is stammering?
Stammering, also known as stuttering, is a speech disorder characterized by interruptions in the flow of speech, such as repetitions, prolongations, or blocks.
At what age do children typically start stammering?
Stammering often starts between the ages of 2 and 5, a period when children are developing their language skills.
Is stammering common among children in the UK?
Yes, stammering affects around 5% of children in the UK, although many outgrow it as they get older.
What causes stammering in children?
The exact cause of stammering is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors.
Can stammering be cured?
While there is no 'cure' for stammering, many children can improve their fluency through speech therapy and supportive environments.
How can parents help a child who stammers?
Parents can help by being patient, providing a calm speaking environment, and avoiding pressure on the child to speak perfectly.
Should I correct my child when they stammer?
No, correcting or interrupting a child when they stammer can increase their anxiety and make the stammering worse.
When should I seek professional help for my child's stammering?
Seek professional help if the stammering lasts for more than 6 months, worsens, or if the child shows signs of frustration or avoidance.
What kinds of treatments are available for stammering in children?
Treatment options may include speech therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and support groups.
Is stammering a sign of a deeper psychological issue?
Stammering is primarily a speech disorder and not typically indicative of deeper psychological issues, although it can cause emotional distress.
How can teachers support a child who stammers?
Teachers can support a child who stammers by being patient, not interrupting, and providing positive reinforcement. Avoid putting the child under pressure to speak in front of the class.
Can stammering affect a child's academic performance?
Stammering can indirectly affect a child's academic performance due to potential anxiety or reluctance to participate in speaking activities in class.
Are boys more likely to stammer than girls?
Yes, boys are about four times more likely to stammer than girls.
Can bilingualism cause stammering in children?
No, being bilingual does not cause stammering. However, managing two languages can be challenging and may sometimes exacerbate an existing stammer.
Where can I find resources and support for my child's stammering in the UK?
You can find support and resources from organisations such as the British Stammering Association and local speech and language therapy services.
Useful Links
Useful links from: Giving Voice - Stammer and Fluency Problems
- NHS - Stammering Provides comprehensive information on stammering including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options available on the NHS.
- The British Stammering Association (BSA) - Stamma A UK-based charity offering resources, support, and advice for people who stammer. Includes tips, personal stories, and details about therapy options.
- Action for Stammering Children Charity focused on supporting children and young people who stammer, and their families. Provides therapy, resources, and community support.
- Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists - Stammering Professional body for speech and language therapists in the UK offering information on therapy services, professional support, and resources about stammering.
Useful links from: Why do some children stammer?
- NHS - Stammering in children This NHS page provides an overview of stammering (or stuttering) in children, including causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
- NHS - Overview of Stammering General information from the NHS on stammering, including causes, risk factors, and when to seek medical advice.
- Action for Stammering Children Action for Stammering Children is a UK charity dedicated to supporting children and young people who stammer. The website offers resources and information for families and professionals.
- British Stammering Association (STAMMA) - For Parents STAMMA, the British Stammering Association, provides support and resources for parents of children who stammer, including advice on how to help your child and where to find additional support.
Useful links from: Stammering: How to Help
- NHS - Stammering Provides comprehensive information on stammering, including symptoms, causes, treatments, and advice on how to seek help.
- British Stammering Association (Stamma) Offers a wealth of resources for people who stammer, including support services, information on stammering, and advice for parents and teachers.
- Action for Stammering Children Focuses on providing support and therapeutic services specifically for children and young people who stammer, and their families.
- The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering Specializes in the assessment and treatment of children and adults who stammer, offering both individual and group therapy options.
Useful links from: Stammering myth 4: You should ignore a child's stammer
- NHS - Stammering in children Official NHS page providing an overview of stammering in children, including signs, treatment options, and myths surrounding stammering.
- British Stammering Association (BSA) - Myths about Stammering The British Stammering Association addresses common myths about stammering, including the misconception that stammering should be ignored.
- NHS - Speech and Language Therapy Information on how speech and language therapy can support children with stammering, including when and how to seek help.
- Action for Stammering Children A UK charity dedicated to supporting children and young people who stammer, providing resources and advice for parents and caregivers.
Useful links from: I don’t need to be fixed – what I wish the world understood about stammering
- NHS - Stammering Provides an overview of stammering, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options as recommended by the NHS.
- Action for Stammering Children A UK charity dedicated to supporting children and young people who stammer, offering resources, guidance, and access to specialist services.
- British Stammering Association The British Stammering Association, also known as STAMMA, offers support, information, and resources for people who stammer and raises awareness about stammering.
- The McGuire Programme An international programme with a strong UK presence, offering courses and coaching aimed at helping individuals overcome stammering through physical and psychological techniques.
Useful links from: Stammering: myths about the cause of stammering
- NHS - Stammering The NHS page provides comprehensive information about stammering, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
- Action for Stammering Children Action for Stammering Children is a UK charity dedicated to supporting children and young people who stammer. Their site includes resources and information to help understand stammering.
- The British Stammering Association (BSA) - Myths About Stammering The BSA (Stamma) dispels common myths about stammering and provides factual information to help educate and support those affected.
- Michael Palin Centre for Stammering The Michael Palin Centre provides therapy services and resources for people who stammer, including information about the causes and myths surrounding stammering.
Useful links from: Will's story on having therapy - Stammering
- NHS - Stammering NHS page providing an overview of stammering, including causes, symptoms, and available treatments.
- Stamma (British Stammering Association) Resource by the British Stammering Association offering support, information, and advice for individuals who stammer and their families.
- Action for Stammering Children UK charity dedicated to supporting and improving the lives of children and young people who stammer.
- NHS - Get Help with Speech and Language Therapy NHS resource outlining how to access speech and language therapy services, which can be helpful for individuals who stammer.
Useful links from: Adam's story on stammering - Therapy
- NHS - Stammering (Stuttering) Official NHS page providing information on stammering, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatments available through the National Health Service.
- Stamma (British Stammering Association) UK-based charity offering resources, support, and advice for people who stammer. They provide information on therapy, support groups, and other ways to manage stammering.
- Action for Stammering Children Charity dedicated to helping children and young people who stammer. They support therapy programs, provide resources for parents, and fund research into stammering.
- Michael Palin Centre for Stammering Specialist centre in the UK that offers assessment and therapy for children and adults who stammer. They also provide training for therapists and carry out research into stammering.
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