How to Prevent Stuttering

Stuttering is a speech disorder that involves prolonging words or phrases. According to the National Institute on Disorders of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, roughly three million Americans stutter and it is most common among young children who are just learning to speak. There is no cure for stuttering, however, there are therapy programs, electronic devices and behavioral changes that may help prevent stuttering.

Instructions

• 1

  Create a relaxed and accepting environment in the home. Stuttering can be very stressful and traumatic to young children and adults alike. Support those who stutter by speaking in a slowed manner, and refrain from responding negatively when your child or friend stutters. Instead, correct them gently and encourage them to talk openly and honestly about their experiences.

• 2

  Locate a speech therapist near you. Ask your family physician for a referral to a speech therapist or browse an online list such as the one offered by the Specialty Board on Fluency Disorders. Interview several therapists to find one that fits with your personality and needs.

• 3

  Research speech therapy programs. Ask your family doctor or speech therapist to recommend a therapy program that will help you control and prevent your stuttering. You can also find more information on sites such as National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders and Minnesota State University's "Therapy for Stuttering." Therapy programs will guide you through relaxation techniques, breathing and self-monitoring.

• 4

  Use an electronic device designed to control stuttering. These devices fit into your child's or friend's ear like a hearing aid and change how they hear their own voice. They may hear their speech distorted or echoed; correcting this issue can help promote fluency.