Stuttering in toddler age - kassel stuttering therapy

"Is my child stuttering?" – If parents or educators ask themselves this question over and over again for a few weeks, this can be the first indication that their child shows more and more noticeable liquids when speaking than is normal for "normal speakers".

Demarcation more functional too

Everyone tends to be fluent when speaking, e.g. B .:

Repetitions of sentences, words and syllables ("I want … I want … I want juice.")
breaks
("And", "uh", "hmm", …)
Sentence corrections ("Then we are … then we took the bus.")

This "(er, and) and sentence corrections. “Are used intuitively even by small children to plan their speaking. They show that a thought has not yet been completed or are increasingly demanding the attention of a listener. "(Er, and) and sentence corrections. “Therefore have a useful function in our communication and are therefore not perceived by the interlocutor as disturbing.

Only those liquids that occur above average and, moreover, in places where the listener does not expect them, are felt by the other party. In addition, repetitions and stretches of individual sounds (K-k-k-cat, Mmmmama) or blockages in which the child tries with great effort to start a word indicate one.

Traumatic experiences, accidents, special events or the presence of speech development disorders are not the cause of stuttering, but can help to trigger and maintain it.

Typical start of a stutter

The typical period for the start of stuttering is between the 3rd. and the 6th year of life. About 5% of all children of this age have a phase in which they stutter in their language development. But stuttering persists only in 1% of all children. The likelihood that stuttering will recede on its own is low.

Based on the present, conclusions can be drawn about a permanently existing one stutter not possible. For this reason, the outdated term "development stutter" is misleading, since even an experienced speech therapist can only determine at the time of the presentation whether there is currently one or whether it is "(er, and) and sentence corrections. "Acts.

Should be recognizable, this does not mean that therapy must be started immediately. Often, good advice from a parent to a speech therapist who specializes in stuttering is enough to clear up any uncertainties in dealing with them and offer help for the right support for the child. From when a therapy should be started depends on the severity, but above all on the suffering of the child and parents.

Elternratgeber

Treat stuttering

Delimitation of age-related liquids to stutterers

Age-related speaking fluids	Starting stuttering	Chronified stuttering
Word / syllable repetitions	Yes	Yes	Yes
According reps	No	Yes	Yes
Mute blockages	No	Yes	Yes
strains	Short and stress-free	Tension noticeable > than 1 second	Yes
breaks	Yes, for speech planning	Yes, for speech planning and as a result of blockages in breathing and	Yes, for speech planning and as a result of blockages in breathing and
breathing	Inconspicuous, easy breathing with committed storytelling	Difficulty breathing before or in the word	Difficulty breathing before or in the word
Change in speaking pace	No	Yes	Often slowed overall
Change in speaking rhythm	No	Yes	Yes
disorder awareness	No	Not clear	Often present
symptomless	No	No	Often present

If the impression that the child is stuttering has been confirmed by a visit to an experienced speech therapist, the question naturally arises: "What now?"

First of all, it should be said that therapy is not immediately necessary for every child. Sometimes, good advice from a parent to a speech therapist who specializes in stuttering is enough to take away the insecurities in dealing with the stuttering and provide information on how to properly support the child. It may make sense to observe the child for a while in the language development after the introduction to the speech therapist and to support him accordingly.

But if therapy becomes necessary, there is for children In this age group – under 5 years – there are two main therapeutic approaches that are recommended:

1. "Mini-KIDS" (children are allowed to stutter)

Children should also experience themselves with their stuttering as capable and confident speakers. dreaded words. should be broken down and relaxed, effortless and anxiety-free stuttering should be made possible. An important part of the therapy is the continuous involvement of the parents and an open approach to stuttering.

2. "Lidcombe"

The child’s fluent speech is enhanced by praising, and stuttering is corrected. This is done according to strict rules and with a very structured procedure. Parents are given intensive instruction to consistently continue the exercises between therapy sessions at home.

Do you have any questions about stuttering or our therapy concept? – Sit down within our consultation in contact with our experienced speech therapists.