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By Jacqueline B. Sallade, Ed.D.
All children stutter as they are learning to talk. The continuation
of stuttering beyond the pre-school years is due to the child
associating speech with tension. Adults may have drawn attention
to the child's speech by making such comments as, "Get it
out!" or "Say it slowly." Worse yet, the child
may have been ridiculed, or there may be pressure from parents
or teachers who impatiently finish the child's statements.
As a result, the child becomes self-conscious of speech, so rather
than letting it flow naturally, he or she repeats, hesitates,
and blocks when speaking. Then the child becomes even more self-conscious,
and a cycle of emotional and physical tension sets in, in most
speaking situations.
To help a child who stutters, adults must listen and respond patiently
to what the child says, not how. Speech therapy is necessary and
in some cases, psychological counseling can be helpful.
Talk to someone who can help. If you would like the name of a
qualified psychologist in your area, please try our Psychologist
Locator.
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