Fluency refers to the smoothness, rhythm, and flow of speech. A child with a fluency disorder may experience disruptions in their speech flow, which can affect how easily they speak. The most common fluency disorder is stuttering, but there are other fluency-related issues as well.
Fluency disorders can vary in severity and may include repetitions of sounds, syllables, words, or phrases, as well as long pauses or blocks where the child is unable to produce a sound or word at all. These disruptions can lead to frustration, social anxiety, and challenges with communication in both informal and formal settings.
Some common signs of fluency disorders in children include:
Stuttering is the most recognized form of fluency disorder. It often begins in early childhood, usually between ages 2 and 5, and may fluctuate as a child grows. Stuttering may be temporary for some children, while for others it can persist. The causes of stuttering are not fully understood, but factors like genetics, developmental milestones, and environmental influences can all play a role.
While stuttering can be a normal part of speech development for some children, it can also persist and require intervention. Early identification and therapy are key to helping children manage fluency issues and build confidence in their communication skills.
Treatment may include:
• Fluency-shaping techniques: Focus on improving the flow of speech by slowing down speech, using smooth transitions between sounds, and reducing tension during speech production.
• Stuttering modification strategies: Helping your child identify moments of stuttering and learning ways to modify their speech to reduce tension and frustration. Techniques may include easy onset, prolongation, and gentle speech.
• Breathing exercises: Teaching your child how to manage their breath to promote smooth speech and reduce anxiety.
• Cognitive-behavioral strategies: Helping both you and your child identify the emotional and social aspects of stuttering, such as fear of speaking, frustration, or avoidance.
• Support for parents and caregivers: We work with you to create a supportive, non-pressured communication environment at home and other environments your child is in.
Our goal is to provide effective strategies to help your child speak more fluently and feel more confident.
Helping children pronounce sounds clearly and develop patterns for effective speech.
Improving coordination for speaking through specialized techniques for conditions like apraxia and dysarthria.
Supporting understanding, vocabulary growth, and sentence structure for clear communication.
.webp)
Psychologist centers are staffed by licensed psychologists and mental health professionals. These professionals may include clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, and other specialists.
Examining the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, effective communication, and conflict resolution.
