Stuttering Programs

Young children, school-age children and adults can receive diagnostic and therapy services for stuttering at MSHC.

Young Children under the age of six are evaluated and their risk for chronic stuttering is weighed according to presenting symptoms and other factors. If therapy is recommended, a parent-centered approach or a child-centered approach may be utilized. If needed, very young children can be taught strategies for increasing the level of fluency in their speech. Parents and siblings are involved in learning how to support the child with non-fluent speech. Where appropriate, the Lidcombe Program of Early Stuttering Intervention is also offered at this center.

School-Age Children attend therapy sessions after school in group and individual formats, depending on the individual needs. Families are also involved with the process. Children are assisted with problem-solving the academic and social ramifications of stuttering. Strategies for managing stuttering and achieving greater speech fluency are taught. In summer, therapy is continued, and some families choose a summer-only option to supplement the therapy their child receives through their school speech-language pathologist.

Adults who stutter are evaluated for not just their stuttering patterns but also the life patterns and behaviors that may accompany stuttering. An individual plan for managing stuttering and improving fluency is developed, along with a thorough examination of patterns of behavior that may be limiting the adult's ability to develop to his or her full potential. Most attend both individual therapy and group sessions.

Additional information about stuttering and treatment can be found at www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/stuttering.htm