Effective Strategies for Addressing Stuttering in Kids and Adults:
Speech therapy for fluency and stuttering is extremely individual and personal. Establishing a connection with your speech therapist is a key factor.
An SLP’s Perspective
In honor of our upcoming visit with the National Stuttering Association-Exton Chapter this Saturday, details here, we’re narrowing our focus from the wide world of speech therapy to focus on fluency and the unique way we work with individuals who stutter and some insight into strategies we use during our sessions.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions!
Stuttering, a speech disorder characterized by disruptions in the flow of speech, can significantly impact a person's communication and confidence. As Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), we have the privilege of working with individuals of all ages who stutter. Through our experiences, we’ve developed a toolkit of strategies that we find particularly effective for both children and adults. Here, we’ll share some these tools and how they can be applied.
Fluency Strategies for Kids
Easy Onset
What it is: Easy onset involves starting speech gently, easing into the first sound of a word to reduce tension.
How it helps: This technique helps children initiate speech more smoothly and reduces the likelihood of stuttering blocks.
Implementation: We practice this by using soft, relaxed vocalizations at the beginning of words during structured activities, gradually integrating it into spontaneous speech.
Pull Outs
What it is: Pull-outs are techniques used to ease out of a stuttering moment smoothly.
How it helps: By focusing on releasing tension during a stutter, children can regain control of their speech.
Implementation: We encourage kids to identify a stutter as it happens, then consciously ease their way out of it, often by gently stretching the sound they are stuck on.
Speech Timing Games
What it is: These are fun, interactive games that focus on the timing of speech, such as using a metronome or rhythmic tapping.
How it helps: By creating a rhythm, children can develop a more consistent speech flow, which can reduce stuttering.
Implementation: Activities include clapping to a beat while speaking or using apps designed to promote rhythmic speech patterns.
Fluency Strategies for Adults
Prolonged Speech
What it is: This technique involves stretching out the sounds in words to produce a more fluent speech pattern.
How it helps: Prolonging speech can help adults slow down their speaking rate and reduce the pressure that contributes to stuttering.
Implementation: We practice this in a controlled setting, gradually integrating it into more natural speech situations.
Cognitive Restructuring
What it is: Cognitive restructuring involves changing negative thought patterns related to stuttering.
How it helps: By addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of stuttering, adults can reduce anxiety and build confidence.
Implementation: Techniques include discussing and challenging negative beliefs about stuttering and replacing them with more positive, realistic thoughts,
Voluntary Stuttering
What it is: Voluntary stuttering means intentionally stuttering on certain words to reduce fear and desensitize the individual to stuttering.
How it helps: This technique helps reduce the anxiety associated with stuttering by normalizing the experience and increasing control over speech.
Implementation: We practice voluntary stuttering in safe environments, such as during therapy sessions, and gradually extend it to real-world interactions.
Whether working with children or adults, the key to successful stuttering therapy is a combination of techniques tailored to the individual's needs. By integrating strategies like easy onset, pull-outs, and speech timing games for kids, and prolonged speech, cognitive restructuring, and voluntary stuttering for adults, we can help our clients achieve more fluent and confident communication. As SLPs, seeing the progress and increased self-assurance in those we work with is incredibly rewarding and reaffirms the importance of these personalized approaches.
For more information and local support, you can visit The National Stuttering Association website Stuttering Support Community - National Stuttering Association (westutter.org)