How is stuttering diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history, diagnosis of stuttering may also include:
• A detailed history of the development of the disorder.
• An evaluation of speech and language abilities by a licensed speech pathologist specializing in fluency disorders.

Treatment for stuttering.
Early intervention for a child who has been exhibiting a disfluent speech pattern for more than three to six months is highly recommended. This early identification and intervention may keep stuttering from becoming a life-long problem. The goal of treatment is to focus on relearning how to speak or to unlearn incorrect ways of speaking. Thus eliminating the disfluent speech pattern called, “stuttering”.

Parents of children who stutter may be encouraged to:

1.) Speak with your child in an unhurried way, pausing frequently. Wait a few seconds after your child finishes speaking before you begin to speak. Your own slow, relaxed speech will be far more effective than criticism or advice such as, “slow down” or “try it again, slowly”.

2.) Reduce the number of questions you ask your child. Instead of asking questions, simply comment on what your child has said, thereby letting him or her know you heard them.

3.) Try to look at your child when he/she is speaking to you. this assures that he has your attention. The tactile or touch response will also assure him that he has your full attention.

4.) Help all members of the family learn to take turns talking and listening. Children especially those who stutter, find it much easier to talk when there are few interruptions and they have the listener’s attention.

5.) Observe the way you interact with your child. Try to reassure your child that he/she has plenty of time to talk and that you are listening.

6.) Set aside a few moments at a regular time each day when you can give your undivided attention to your child. Let the child choose what he would like to do. When you talk during this special time, use slow, calm and relaxed speech with plenty of pauses.

7.) Convey that you accept and support your child as he is. Your own slower, more relaxed speech and the things you do to help build this confidence as a speaker are likely to increase his fluency and diminish his stuttering.