The expert explains how parents should proceed when they notice changes in their children’s speech
Summary
Stuttering is a change in speech fluency that affects approximately 2 million people in Brazil, with a higher prevalence in children.
Stuttering is a change in speech fluency characterized by repetition of syllables, sounds, pauses, tension and facial movements, which makes communication difficult and promotes a decrease in quality of life. A study conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) estimates that approximately 2 million people chronically stutter in Brazil. It is also estimated that 5% of children stutter, which often appears before the age of 6.
What about when parents notice that their child stutters? Speech therapist Greicyane Castro, who works at the Audilife Clinic, located in the Órion Complex clinical center, in Goiânia, explains what parents need to do.
“Observe if the stuttering persists for more than eight weeks, if it is a male, seek speech therapy advice as soon as possible, as stuttering is more prevalent in males. Observe whether the child repeats syllables and sounds a lot,” she says.
Once the diagnosis is made, the specialist indicates what should be done next. “You need to start speech therapy so you can make the necessary changes to your speech. It is worth remembering that there is no cure for stuttering, but it can be treated and there will be times when the child will speak more fluently and others less so. During the treatment the speech therapist will be able to verify the need for another professional for specific complaints”.
Regarding what to observe to know if your child really stutters, the speech therapist highlights some points. “When children begin to speak, they go through a period called childhood stuttering, which lasts a maximum of eight weeks. Usually we can observe it around the age of three or so. It is necessary to observe repetitions of syllables such as ‘papapa pato’ and repetitions of sounds such as ‘ssss sapo’”, underlines Greicyane Castro.
According to her, it is not possible to avoid this speech disorder, which cannot be cured, but rather treated. “Stuttering does not have a specific cause, it is multifactorial and is strongly linked to genetic and biological factors. Early treatment is essential because it reduces the impact of stuttering, decreasing its intensity and increasing the chances of a better prognosis,” analyzes the specialist.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
