Prevent Stuttering

Speech-language pathologists (SLP), also called speech therapists, are clinical professionals that are trained to work with people that have some type of speech disorder.  They must have plenty of knowledge about how speech therapy works in conjunction with different speech disorders.

They can be things like not being able to pronounce certain sounds, not being able to speak fluently and the rhythm of their speech is off.  They also work with people that have voice difficulties. 

They conduct evaluations so that they can determine what kind of speech disorder the person is dealing with. 
The speech-language pathologist’s day usually consists of the following:

• Conducting evaluations to determine the exact nature of the disorder; diagnosing the extent of this disorder and check out speech and language abnormalities;
• Creating a plan for each patient;
• Working with those that have a speech disorder so that they can speak more clearly and fluently;
• Teaching patients how to communicate with others;
• Help those that need to improve their speech for social, educational and employment purposes

Speech-language pathologists work with people that:

• Have problems speaking entire words and phrases, causing them to stutter;
• Cannot make clear sounds;
• Cannot speak fluently;
• Have problems with their rhythm as they try to speak;

Parents that are looking for a good candidate should learn as much about stuttering as they possible can.  That way, they will have a better idea of who to select for their child.  There are different publications and information on websites that can help them with this. 

Parents should also look for referrals.  This can be one of the best ways of finding a qualified speech-language pathologist.  Also, contact hospitals, clinics, schools to get some references as well.  There are some universities that have in-house speech clinics that are used fro training programs.

Your child’s school is also required to have speech therapy available to any child that needs it.  This is mandated by the Federal Government to have this in place.  Your school will be able to advise you of how to go about getting your child screened and tested for stuttering and speech therapy.

Set up interviews with potential candidates and ask questions.  There are some important ones that you should also ask them.  Some of the subjects include:

• Whether or not they are at ease with testing the child
• Whether or not they are ok with treating stuttering
• What their main goals are
• Different techniques and approaches
• How parents can interact with the speech-language pathologist

Once parents find one that they are comfortable with, they can start the process of getting their child the help they need to overcome their difficulties with stuttering.

Cost of Treatment

Those that opt to have speech therapy will have to consider the costs involved.  A lot of it depends on how much therapy is needed for the patient and the amount of time they will need it for. 

After the speech-language pathologist has completed the evaluation, the decision can be made from there.  A complete evaluation can cost a few hundred dollars ($300 +), depending on several factors, such as the location of the person and what they’re charging for. 

When inquiring with them, ask them up front for an estimate.  At least you will have an idea of what the cost will be.  Also, check to see if your health insurance is eligible to cover some if not all of the costs for the therapy.  You may also want to check at colleges and universities.  Usually they have clinics on site where the cost is cheaper than going to a private clinician.