That Speech Lady: Stammering
Stammering is a subject that has always been close to my heart.
This is because my father is a person who stammers and his experiences and stories inspired me to become a Speech and Language Therapist.
I feel privileged to have worked with so many children and families throughout my 11 year career as a therapist.
I strongly believe the role of a therapist is to empower children to be confident and effective communicators, regardless of whether they continue to stammer or not.
My role includes supporting parents, families and professionals too. Working collaboratively is essential to providing the best outcomes for children and young people who stammer.
Did you know....
- The latest evidence suggests 8% of children will go through a period of stammering.
- It is now believed 3% of the adult population has a stammer.
In my latest video clips, I answer some of the commonly asked questions about stammering:
- My child has a stammer. When should I seek advice?
- Is it okay to use the 'wait and see' approach?
- How can I help my child who has a stammer?
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Research and evidence point to the benefits of early identification and intervention. This is why I have developed the above introductory videos to share with parents, free of charge. Some parents may feel highly anxious when they see their child struggling to speak. Access to advice and support early on can really make a positive difference.
Do all children who stammer need therapy and support?
This is something a Speech and Language Therapist can discuss with you. Children are usually seen for an assessment in the first instance and a plan of action is discussed together with the therapist, child and parents.
It's important to know there is no cure for stammering and most importantly, parents do not cause stammering.
You can contact Lauren here if you would like further advice about stammering or to discuss any concerns you may have.
Please check out my 'About' page for details about specialist stammering courses I have attended.
Recommended Websites
There are lots of amazing websites full of advice and information about stammering. Here are some of my favourite ones:
General advice and information (I highly recommend visiting these websites in the first instance)
https://www.whittington.nhs.uk/default.asp?c=26680 (The Michael Palin Centre, UK)
https://stamma.org/get-support/parents (Stamma, UK)
https://www.stutteringhelp.org/ (Stuttering Foundation - based in the US)
Video clips:
Speak! is a film created by young people who stammer who have attended courses with The Fluency Trust. I'd highly recommend watching these clips: https://thefluencytrust.org.uk/projects.html
Another excellent clip to share is the 'Wait! I'm not finished yet' clip made by the Michael Palin Centre : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwjO-vWo4Oc&feature=youtu.be
I often share these clips with children, families and professionals.
Recommended podcasts:
http://stutteringiscool.com/stuttering-is-cool-podcast/
https://www.stutteringhelp.org/podcast
Do all children who stammer need therapy and support?
This is something a Speech and Language Therapist can discuss with you. Children are usually seen for an assessment in the first instance and a plan of action is discussed together with the therapist, child and parents.
It's important to know there is no cure for stammering and most importantly, parents do not cause stammering.
You can contact Lauren here if you would like further advice about stammering or to discuss any concerns you may have.
Please check out my 'About' page for details about specialist stammering courses I have attended.
Recommended Websites
There are lots of amazing websites full of advice and information about stammering. Here are some of my favourite ones:
General advice and information (I highly recommend visiting these websites in the first instance)
https://www.whittington.nhs.uk/default.asp?c=26680 (The Michael Palin Centre, UK)
https://stamma.org/get-support/parents (Stamma, UK)
https://www.stutteringhelp.org/ (Stuttering Foundation - based in the US)
Video clips:
Speak! is a film created by young people who stammer who have attended courses with The Fluency Trust. I'd highly recommend watching these clips: https://thefluencytrust.org.uk/projects.html
Another excellent clip to share is the 'Wait! I'm not finished yet' clip made by the Michael Palin Centre : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwjO-vWo4Oc&feature=youtu.be
I often share these clips with children, families and professionals.
Recommended podcasts:
http://stutteringiscool.com/stuttering-is-cool-podcast/
https://www.stutteringhelp.org/podcast
