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For many people, ringing in the new year brings hope and joyful anticipation. But for those who struggle with stuttering, the old fears of speaking and being teased are the same, according to the Stuttering Foundation.
A typical school day can be fraught with painfully embarrassing situations for school-age children who stutter.
"I was picked on so much about my stuttering that I wouldn't even go to lunch because I didn't want to sit at a table by myself," recalls Peter, 16. "I don't raise my hand in class because I'm worried about what others might think," says Juan, 14.
Parents who notice their child beginning to stutter should seek help right away.
"In the past experts incorrectly believed that giving attention to a child's stuttering would exacerbate the situation," said Lisa Scott, PhD, of Florida State University. "We now know that children who stutter will have significantly less disfluent speech and a higher recovery rate if they are treated when they are young."
To help parents gain a better understanding of stuttering, a free streaming video in English and Spanish titled Stuttering and Your Child: Help for Parents is available on the Stuttering Foundation website at www.StutteringHelp.org. The foundation also offers "7 Tips for Parents."
"Any time parents are concerned about a child's fluency, they should educate themselves about the disorder and the many ways they can work to prevent stuttering from becoming a chronic problem," stated Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation. "Early treatment for children who stutter is key."
A free copy of the updated brochure If You Think Your Child Is Stuttering can be obtained by calling the toll-free foundation helpline at 800-992-9392 or visiting www.StutteringHelp.org.
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