Question
I have a 16‑year‑old student currently in a general education classroom He started stuttering when he was 8 and was placed in a special ed. class with a few children who stuttered. He has difficulty remembering information and what he does remember he can't apply appropriately. He is functioning on a second to third grade level. He is not bothered by his disfluencies and does not have secondary behaviors; however, his mother is extremely concerned. She has him read everything outloud in class to “help him with stuttering.” In general, this student is happy with who he is and can socialize with his same‑aged peers. He can produce fluent speech, especially when he is engaging in casual conversation. Is there anything I can do for this young man and what do I tell his mother?
Answer
Perhaps you could work with the parents and provide them some resources. There are many resources from the Stuttering Foundation of America and the National Stuttering Association. You may want to suggest to the parent to attend a convention such as the National Stuttering Association Convention in the summer. Friends: The National Association of Young People who Stutter is another organization that provides summer conventions where parents can talk to other parents and kids can meet other kids who stutter.
In addition to those resources, have a conversation with the mother and provide her with some education about stuttering. The most important thing would be to keep the child talking and excited about communication. Tell the child it is really great that “you tell stories and you’re participating and socializing. I have heard some kids don’t do that, so that is awesome.”
Marilee Fini, M.A. CCC/SLP is a practicing speech-language pathologist in Cleveland, OH running her own private practice, MLF Speech Therapy. Marilee regularly speaks on the subject of stuttering throughout the U.S. shedding a unique light on the subject of stuttering since she has spent most of her life dealing with her own stuttering.