Today I can say that I am thankful for the multitude of research that has been done on childhood stuttering. My youngest child that just turned 4 in July, has picked up a habit of stuttering. From research that has been conducted on the subject, I have learned that not all childhood stutterers bring the habit over into adulthood......in fact that most times outgrow it. Newer research conducted has taught me that my child's stuttering does not come from emotional problems, which older studies suggested. Although stuttering within itself can cause emotional problems within children. I have benefited from this research because results have demonstrated that I do not need to bring attention to his stuttering as some family members have suggested. Many are quick to say 'slow down' or 'start over' to a stutterer; but according to research performed, bringing attention to the fact that the child is stuttering, is the last thing that needs to be done.
I had a fear that my child may continue to stutter because of family members who stutter also. Hereditary factors were revealed to have some effect on stutterers, but genetic transmission has yet to be proved. Finally, research has made me as a parent and teacher more confident in working with a stuttering child because of suggestions that have been proven to help the child. A few of these suggestions are as follows:
- Call little attention to the fact that the child stutters
- Try to ensure that atmospheres are cool, calm, and collective so that the child doesn't feel stressed
- Encourage more conversation
- Do not react emotionally to stuttering (Meaning don't show embarrassment,impatience, or anxiety)
- and being aware of my own speech and speaking slowly will encourage the stuttering child to slow down as well.
References
Mazzuca-Peter, J. (1989). The Student Who Stutters- Teacher's Guide. Retrieved from https://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/InfoPWDS/studentwhostutters.html
Shawanza
ReplyDeleteInvolving in research that is linked to your personal experience can be motivating. Although there mas been research on stuttering, there are always new trends to be discovered. I did some on line reading on your topic which I find interesting. Here are some link that you may find helpful:
http://www.stutteringhelp.org/risk-factors
http://www.stutteringhelp.org/research-early-childhood-stuttering-0
http://www.research.utoronto.ca/what-causes-stuttering-and-how-is-it-treated/