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Stuttering Therapy for Children near Skokie, IL
& surrounding Illinois areas Online & In-Person
My Approach to Stuttering Therapy for Children and Teenagers
Stuttering affects many kids and teens. While some speech disfluency is normal, persistent stuttering can make it hard for them to express themselves confidently, impacting their self-esteem and social interactions. If you are concerned about your child's stuttering, I’m here to help.
Today's pressure to communicate a certain way can make stuttering even more stressful. But don’t worry—you’re not alone. I’m here to support you and your child through this.
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Imagine if your child or teen could speak confidently without worrying about stuttering. Think about how much better their relationships and social interactions could be as they learn to manage their speech. With the right support, they can reach their goals and feel empowered.
If you’re looking for friendly and effective stuttering therapy nearby, you’ve come to the right place. Stuttering therapy helps identify the causes of stuttering, teaches helpful techniques to improve fluency, and develops a more confident approach to communication.
During stuttering therapy, I work with preschoolers and their parents to identify and modify situations that may stress the child’s speech and language system. I also work directly with the child to improve their speech fluency.
For school-aged children and teenagers, I take a holistic approach to stuttering treatment. This includes education about stuttering and creating awareness of the individual’s stuttering pattern. Techniques to manage stuttering are taught and practiced in role-playing scenarios to reduce fear and avoidance and generalize skills into everyday life.
Throughout therapy, we address thoughts and feelings as they directly impact both the individual and their speech. We incorporate principles of Avoidance Reduction Therapy (ART) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to promote successful outcomes.
In addition, I work closely with schools to educate staff and students about stuttering and how to support students who stutter. This includes raising awareness about stuttering and implementing strategies to prevent bullying. I also help parents understand how to advocate for their child at school and address any bullying issues that may arise. By working together with schools and parents, I aim to create a supportive environment that helps children who stutter feel more confident and succeed in their communication.
Contact me today to schedule a free consultation. Let’s start your child or teenager on the path to speaking with greater ease and confidence. I’m excited to support you and your family on this journey!
Stuttering Therapy for Children FAQ
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I've Heard About Stuttering & Stammering, but What's the Difference?“Stuttering” is more commonly used in American English, while “stammering” is used more often in British English. Both terms refer to a speech disorder characterized by involuntary repetitions, prolongations, or blocks. This can occur on a sound, syllable, word, or phrase.
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What Exactly is Stuttering (or Stammering)?Stuttering, also known as stammering, is a speech disorder that impacts individuals of all ages. While those who stutter may know what they want to say, they experience difficulty in expressing themselves verbally. At its core, stuttering is a motoric issue that can develop into a communication disorder, leading to avoidance of certain situations such as ordering food at a restaurant or participating at school. The pattern and severity of stuttering can vary from person to person or day to day. It is important to note that these fluctuations are a normal part of stuttering.
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Curious about Stuttering? Here's What You Might Notice...Repetition of sounds, syllables, or words in a sentence (also called a repetition) Having a hard time getting a sound out (also called a block) Drawing a sound out (also called a prolongation) Avoiding certain words or situations that they find challenging to articulate Physical movements such as eye blinking, head nodding/turning, pen tapping These signs and symptoms can significantly impact an individual’s ability to communicate effectively and may require intervention to manage.
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Wondering if Young Children Commonly Stutter?It is common for children between the ages of 2 and 6 to go through periods of disfluency, but if certain risk factors are present, it increases the likelihood for stuttering to continue. These risk factors include: Gender: stuttering is more likely to persist in boys than girls Age: stuttering is more likely to continue in children who began stuttering at age 3.5 years or older Family history: a family history of stuttering increase the likelihood the child will stutter
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When Should I Think About Speech Therapy for My Child Who Stutters?has been stuttering for 6 to 12 months or longer began stuttering at age 3.5 or older stutters more frequently than previously has a family history of stuttering shows tension or struggle when speaking avoids situations that require speaking
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Why does my Child Stutter?Stuttering is a neurologically-based disorder which impairs an individual’s ability to time and sequence the underlying movements necessary for speech. Stuttering is genetic. In fact, research has identified some of the genes that play a role in stuttering. The exact causes of stuttering remain unclear. Ongoing research will continue to shed light on this complex disorder and offer hope for effective treatment and management.
Call or email me to schedule your free consultation
224-704-0790
In-home speech therapy for individuals
in Skokie, Wilmette, and surrounding Illinois areas
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