How to Help People Who Stutter

Stuttering, stammering, sputtering or uncontrollable hesitating is a serious communication problem that typically involves the prolonged or repetitious pronunciation of words. It usually begins in toddlers when they are learning to speak and is most evident in young children. But as movie-goers saw in the Oscar-winning film "The King's Speech," stuttering can last long into adulthood. It is best to treat stuttering as soon as possible, and several methods have shown considerable success. Relaxation is usually the best treatment, according to MayoClinic.com.

Instructions

• 1

  Provide a relaxed atmosphere. As a parent or friend, do not draw attention to the stutterer's problem. Eliminate as much stress, fatigue and excitement as possible. Older stutterers should consider meditation or yoga.

• 2

  Listen to your child until he is finished speaking. Be patient. Don't jump in and say the word that is giving him difficulty. Take time to talk when there are no distractions. Encourage the whole family to follow suit.

• 3

  Speak slowly and encourage your child to speak slowly. Offer praise when the words being to flow.

• 4

  Provide speech therapy with a specialist. For persistent stutterers, working with a professional at an early age --- or any age --- can help tremendously. Therapists work on natural speech patterns that build from slow pronunciation to more normal rates. Seek a speech language pathologist (SLP). Ask if she has a certificate from the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and has passed her state license exam.

• 5

  Look for a stuttering support group. Knowing there are people with the same problem can help, as can asking for advice from others. Finally, keep a sense of humor.