Fluency Programs

Young children, school-age children and adults can receive diagnostic and therapy services for stuttering at MSHC.

Young Children under the age of six are evaluated and their risk for chronic stuttering is weighed according to presenting symptoms and other factors. If therapy is recommended, a parent-centered approach or a child-centered approach may be utilized. If needed, very young children can be taught strategies for increasing the level of fluency in their speech. Parents and siblings are involved in learning how to support the child dealing with non-fluent speech. Where appropriate, the Lidcombe Program of Early Stuttering Intervention is also offered at this center.

School-Age Children attend therapy sessions after school in group and individual formats, depending on the individual needs. Families are also involved with the process. Children of this age are assisted in dealing with academic and social ramifications of stuttering, beliefs and feelings about stuttering, and are taught therapeutic strategies for achieving greater speech fluency. In summer, therapy is continued, and some families choose a summer-only option to supplement the therapy their child receives through their school SLP.

Adults who stutter are seen at MSHC, some who have not had therapy before and some who have been in extensive therapy. Whatever the history, each adult is evaluated for not just their stuttering patterns but also the life patterns and behaviors that may accompany stuttering. An individual plan for improving fluency is developed, along with a thorough examination of patterns of behavior that may be limiting the adult’s ability to develop to his or her full potential. Most attend both individual therapy and group sessions.

For additional information contact:
Julie Marshall, MA, CCC-SLP
Specialty Recognition in Fluency Disorders from the Special Interest Division 4 - American Speech Language Hearing Association
901-678-5800

Additional information about stuttering and treatment can be found at www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/stuttering.htm