Stuttering Tips & Cures

Theories on the cause of stuttering range from it being a psychological abnormality to a neurological issue to even explaining it as a learned stressful behavior. Stuttering can lead to communication and emotional issues, if not treated correctly. There are ways you can help a child or even an adult lessen stuttering.

Speech Pathologist

• Locate a speech-language pathologist who can assist your child or yourself in the necessary treatment of a stuttering disorder. If you are a parent of a child with a stutter, consult the pathologist for suggestions.

Speak Slowly

• When speaking to a stuttering child or adult, make sure that you slow down. Leave pauses between your statements. Don't hurry or interrupt a stutterer while he is speaking. Let him know he has plenty of time to say what he needs to say. If the child seems to want to talk too fast, advise him to slow down.

Fewer Questions

• Avoid asking the child or adult too many questions at once. This can overwhelm her and cause stress, which may invoke a stuttering reaction.

Facial Expressions

• Use body language and facial expressions to let the stuttering child or adult know that he is understood. This will give him more confidence and help him be less stressed, which can lessen his stutter.