When children begin to speak, it is normal for them to break off and speak little fluently when they do so. This can lead parents to worry about whether it is due to simple speech development or a stuttering principle. When Should Parents Be Concerned? What are the symptoms and treatment of childhood stuttering? All these data can be found below.
Childhood stuttering symptoms
Fluency problems in children are more normal than it seems. About 5% have problems with language development, especially from 2 to 5 years of age, while stuttering is suffered by only 1% of the general population, and most recover favorably if it is treated. Most of these problems go away on their own over time.
To differentiate fluency problems with stuttering symptoms We show you some differences:
- Reps: in both cases there are repetitions. In stuttering, syllables or sounds are repeated while in typical problems words or phrases are repeated.
- Blocking: For there to be stuttering, there must be a blockage that makes the child unable to continue speaking no matter how hard he tries. In typical problems there is no effort.
- They show other behaviors: these moments of blockage are usually accompanied by tics (movements of the fingers, shoulders, head ...)
- Stuttering is accompanied by disturbances in the coordination of breathing and in the tone of the voice, and increased heart rate and muscle tension.
- If it gets worse over time it is stuttering: Typical problems tend to improve as time passes and your language control increases.
- Stuttering creates a unpleasant feelings of frustration, embarrassment, anxiety, and discomfort not being able to speak properly. Typical problems do not generate any of these unpleasant emotions.
These symptoms tend to be worse in situations of stress, nervousness, or fatigue.
Treatment of childhood stuttering
If you have doubts that your child has stuttering, it is indicated that You go to a specialist so that they can assess the symptoms and it is possible to start treatment as soon as possible, to tackle the problem
The speech therapist will propose a treatment according to the type of stuttering and the child's needs, so that he can actively participate in class and with his friends and colleagues, help him improve fluency and communicate without that feeling of frustration and insecurity.
An example of Basis of treatment for stuttering They are: speech therapy, cognitive behavioral, with the help of tools such as electronic devices and it is also very important how parents can help their children. Many times by wanting to help we can aggravate the problem. We give you some tips to help your child with his stuttering:
- Accept him as he is. Do not criticize him, much less in front of anyone. Do not punish him either, it is not his fault that he suffers from stuttering, he surely wishes he did not. Don't make fun of their problem. Your unconditional love will give him security and he will receive your support, instead of your criticism.
- Create a relaxed atmosphere. Do not force him to speak so as not to increase his anxiety levels, leave him as long as he needs without interruptions. Convey peace and serenity, do not show your impatience to avoid blockages.
- Do not correct directly. We can do it believing that we are helping him but it is the opposite. In the case of having to do it, make it nice.
- Don't finish your sentences. It may seem that you help him but it is he who must finish his sentences in order to overcome his problem.
- Don't speak for him. It is one thing to prevent him from facing a large public, and another to remove the small stones from the path. You must face small battles to build confidence.
- Speak it. The child will be aware that he has a problem that other children do not have. It is convenient to speak openly about the problem, as something normal that it is. No secrets or disguises.
Because remember ... both of you must have patience to overcome this problem and be victorious.