| Child stuttering can be a serious problem that | | | | however persist after the age of five, it is highly |
| often has parents very concerned. Even though | | | | advisable to visit a speech therapist in order to |
| stuttering can indeed develop into a severe | | | | get a more accurate assessment of the situation. |
| handicap, parents can take comfort in the fact | | | | If indeed diagnosed with a more severe and/or |
| that not all forms of child stuttering are | | | | permanent form of stuttering, it is strongly |
| permanent. In fact, in the vast majority of cases | | | | advised to start treatment early. This might |
| the stuttering is just a transient development | | | | prevent the problem from worsening and will help |
| issue. In these cases, it fades away rapidly as the | | | | the child to understand and possibly control his or |
| child expands his or her vocabulary and gains | | | | her condition. Treatment will sually consist of a |
| more experience expressing hm/herself. This | | | | series of speech lessons, in some cases combined |
| does however not mean you should not remain | | | | with psychological therapy to boost the child's |
| vigilant. If your child stutters, there are several | | | | self-image. |
| signs you need to look out for that might point to | | | | Since the cause of stuttering is still unknown, a |
| a more serious underlying problem: | | | | true stuttering cure is unfortunately not yet |
| - Getting 'stuck' on a single sound, e.g. | | | | available. This does however not mean that you |
| 'ttttttttttoday'. | | | | should abandon all hope; there are many |
| - Signs of significant struggle when trying to | | | | symptomatic stuttering treatment options at your |
| speak. | | | | disposal, ranging from special devices to simple |
| - Avoidance of speaking due to difficulties. | | | | mind tricks. When living with a stuttering child, it is |
| - Excessive syllable repetition and substitution with | | | | absolutely imperative that you learn the basic |
| 'weak' sounds, e.g. 'Muh-muh-muh-Michael'. | | | | rules on communicating with stuttering people. |
| Before going any further, take note that many | | | | This is especially true with children, who need |
| child stuttering problems simply resolve | | | | undivided attention, love and self-esteem to |
| themselves with age. Should these symptoms | | | | flourish. |