Wondering if your child has a speech or articulation problem?
Most children make mistakes with speech sounds as they learn to speak. A speech sound disorder occurs when mistakes continue past a certain age.
As of October 2022, stuttering assessment and treatment services will no longer be provided at the Montreal Fluency Centre.
Instead, these services will be offered privately by Dr. Rosalee Shenker and Ms. Gissella Santayana. They can be reached through their website at www.stuttering-montreal.com
Stuttering
As stuttering persists into the school-age years it becomes less responsive to treatment as the child is more responsive to negative comments and feedback, often developing a fear of stuttering leading to avoidance of speaking situations. In addition, the demands on the child for communication such as classroom presentation increases. Children who stutter are more likely to be teased or bullied in the school years. Because of this it is important to address treatment with sensitivity and experience. Specialized stuttering clinicians are able to carefully assess older children to agree on the best course of treatment.
Myths about stuttering
Myth Stuttering is a normal part of speech development.
Fact Stuttering is a speech disorder and is not part of normal speech and language development.
Myth Children grow out of stuttering.
Fact Some children stop stuttering without therapy. Some continue to stutter and require professional help. Adults who stutter all began when they were very young.
Myth Stuttering is caused by the way parents bring up a child.
Fact Stuttering is a physical condition with genetic involvement. Parents are key in helping a child recover from stuttering.
Myth Children stutter because they are nervous and shy.
Fact Children who stutter are just like other children, except that they sometimes have trouble talking.
Myth It’s helpful to finish a person’s sentence if they are stuttering.
Fact The best way to help someone who stutters is to wait for them to finish what they’re saying and to treat them like everyone else.
Myth It’s helpful to tell a person who is stuttering to slow down.
Fact Going slower may only prolong the difficulty of the person who is stuttering. Let them talk at their own speed.