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1、Helping Children Develop Healthy AttitudesToward StutteringJ. Scott Yaruss, Ph.D. Stuttering Centerof Western PennsylvaniaUniversity of PittsburghChild Factors DeterminingWhen and How to Talkto Young Children about StutteringChilds awareness of stutteringChilds concern about stutteringChildrens Awar

2、eness of StutteringMost young children are probably aware of their stuttering at some levelMost of the time they are able to speak fine, but sometimes it just doesnt “work right”The same is true for nearly every other motor behavior they are learning how to doAwareness is not necessarily a problem,

3、but we probably dont want to increase it if we dont have toSome Signs of AwarenessMild word substitutionMild tension or struggleMild frustration during or after stutteringTrying different ways to speak fluentlyQuestions such as “why cant I talk?” asked in a matter-of-fact mannerGuidelines for Talkin

4、g with Children Who Are AwareDont over-reactits normal for childrento be curious about their developing skillsChildren learn how concerned to be from youRespond to questions in a matter-of-fact way“Everybody has trouble talking sometimesits just part of learning.”“Sometimes we have trouble talking,

5、just like sometimes we have trouble walking.”Childrens Concern about StutteringAs childrens continue to stutter, they may become concerned about their speechIncreased tension and struggleAvoidance of words or speaking situationsNonspeech behaviors (e.g., hitting mouth)Embarrassment in talking about

6、speechMore questions about their speechFear about speakingHelp children express their beliefs, feelings, and concerns about their speechHelp children develop constructive ways of thinking and talking about stutteringDecrease the chance children will develop shame, embarrassment, or guilt about speec

7、hHelp children accept themselves, their speaking abilities, and their stutteringGoals for Talking withChildren Who Are ConcernedA Word about AcceptanceAccepting stuttering does NOT mean you are giving up on improving their fluencyTo help older children who stutter, we need to look at the big picture

8、 - this involves more than just their speech fluencyAcceptance of stuttering reduces the chance children will develop the negative reactions that make stuttering more severeThink about it this wayIf your child were to continue stutteringHow would you like him to respond?Stuttering can bevery stubbor

9、n.If we continue to emphasize only fluency, we may end up contributing to the development of guilt and shame that affect many adults who stutternot every child will be able to overcome itGeneral Guidelinesfor Achieving these GoalsModelappropriate responses to stutteringListento childrens concerns ab

10、out talkingTalkwith children about their stutteringModeling a Calm Response to StutteringModeling a calm response to stuttering will help the child learn to do the sameTo do this successfully, you need to be aware of your own reactions to stutteringAffective: How do you feel about stuttering?Behavio

11、ral: What do you do when he stutters?Cognitive: What do you think about stuttering?Modeling DifferentWays to StutterFor children with significant tension, it may be helpful to model easy, relaxed disfluenciesShows the child a different way of stutteringthat has less impact on his communicationHelps

12、desensitize the child (and parent)to the occurrence of disfluencies in speechThis is more advancedcheck with a stuttering specialist to see if this is right for your childReal desensitization work is best done by the clinicianModeling EffectiveResponses to AdversityChildren may develop distorted per

13、ceptions about their stuttering and speaking abilitiesOver-estimation of stuttering (“I always stutter”)Over-estimation of other peoples reactions (“Nobody likes the way I talk”)Loss of perspective (“I cant do anything right”)Parents must challenge these perspectives to help children develop healthi

14、er reactionsExplanatory styleTemporaryPermanentSpecificPervasive(Peterson, Buchanan, & Seligman, 1995)Modeling EffectiveResponses To AdversityExamples“Sometimes learning takes a little while.”“That word was kind of bumpy” (or tense)“You sure have a lot of good things to talk about.”Listening to Chil

15、drenContent versus manner: Listen to what children say rather than how they say itAffirm any emotions children expressYou do not need to solve their problems or try to make them feel betterjust let them know that you hear them and are with themThis paves the way for an open dialogue about stuttering

16、 and other topicsTalking about StutteringRespond to childrens questionsLabel speech-related behaviors and feelingsReassure and encourage concerned childrenReframe the childs experiences Promote discussion by giving the child the opportunity to talk about his feelingsResponding to QuestionsIf the chi

17、ld is aware enough to ask about his speech, its important to respond“Why do I stutter?” / “Why am I made this way?”“Will I always stutter?” / “Will it ever go away?”Think about what to say before he asksPresent stuttering in a matter-of-fact way that:conveys your acceptance of the childhelps to norm

18、alize stuttering (either as a normal part of learning, or as normal for your child)Examples of Other ResponsesSummaryChildren dont know how to react to stutteringLeft to their own devices, there is a good chance they will over-react or react negativelyParents can play a critical role in shaping chil

19、drens responses so they will develop healthy attitudesHealthy attitudes help minimize thenegative consequences of stutteringParents must also exhibit healthyreactions to stutteringSome Tough QuestionsHow do you feel about stuttering?Can you accept your childs stuttering?Can the other parent or other family members accept your childs stuttering?What if the stuttering doesnt g