You'll probably first discuss stuttering with your child's pediatrician or your family doctor. The doctor may then refer you to a speech and language disorders specialist (speech-language pathologist).
Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect from your doctor or speech-language pathologist.
What you can do
Take these steps before your appointment:
- Prepare key personal information, such as when your child said his or her first word and started speaking in sentences. Also, try to recall when you first noticed your child stuttering and if anything makes it better or worse. If you're an adult who stutters, be prepared to discuss how stuttering has affected your life, current problems it's causing and what treatments you've had.
- Make a recording, if possible, to catch an episode of stuttering to play at the appointment.
- Make a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements that you or your child takes, including the dosages.
- Make a list of questions you'd like to ask your doctor or speech-language pathologist.
Some basic questions to ask include:
- What's causing my stuttering or my child's stuttering?
- What kinds of tests are needed?
- Is this condition temporary or long lasting?
- What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
- Are there any alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
- Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can have? What websites do you recommend?
Don't hesitate to ask questions at any time during your appointment.
What to expect from your doctor or speech-language pathologist
Your doctor or speech-language pathologist is likely to ask you a number of questions. Be ready to answer them to reserve time to go over any points you want to discuss further. Your doctor or speech-language pathologist may ask:
Aug. 20, 2014
- When did you first notice stuttering?
- Is stuttering always present, or does it come and go?
- Does anything seem to improve stuttering?
- Does anything appear to make it worse?
- Does anyone in your family have a history of stuttering?
- What effect has stuttering had on your life or your child's life, such as school or work performance or social interaction?
- Stuttering. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/stuttering.htm. Accessed July 21, 2014.
- Childhood-onset fluency disorder (stuttering). In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2013. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed July 21, 2014.
- Stuttering. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/pages/stutter.aspx. Accessed July 21, 2014.
- The facts. Stuttering Foundation of America. http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=17. Accessed July 21, 2014.
- 7 tips for talking with your child. Stuttering Foundation of America. http://www.stutteringhelp.org/7-tips-talking-your-child-0. Accessed July 21, 2014.
- Craig A, et al. Trait and social anxiety in adults with chronic stuttering: Conclusions following meta-analysis. Journal of Fluency Disorders. 2014;40:35.
- Blomgren M. Behavioral treatments for children and adults who stutter: A review. Psychology Research and Behavior Management. 2013;6:9.
- Strand EA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 28, 2014.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 27, 2014.