Episode 3: How to talk to preschool children who stutter:

People who stutter present a unique opportunity to teach the world to listen. Today, I will be demystifying how to communicate effectively with preschool children who stutter and ways to provide them with the support and encouragement they need.

Stuttering is a common speech disorder affecting millions of people worldwide, including many young children. While stuttering can be frustrating and challenging for children and their parents, it is essential to remember that children who stutter can learn to communicate effectively and confidently

with the proper support and guidance.

One way to achieve this is by not interrupting a child while they are talking, as it's likely to raise awareness due to the redundancy effect. Also, offering a listening ear and using complimentary words such as 'wow' and ‘interesting’ shows that you acknowledge their message. According to Starkweather, reducing asking them direct questions is advisable since many events in a child's environment influence their speech.

Whether you are a parent of a preschool child who stutters, a teacher, a therapist, or someone who wants to learn more about communicating with a child, this episode will provide valuable information and support. Let's get started!

Key Talking Points of the Episode:

[00:30] Do preschool children stutter?

[01:01] Tips on speaking with a stuttering child

[05:35] The ripple effect of the Lidcombe program on stuttering preschoolers

[06:00] Importance of a relaxed environment

www.allislandspeech.com