Health & Fitness
Stuttering Tips from a Speech Pathologist who overcame a severe stuttering disorder-Did anyone watch American Idol?
This post is to provide tips and suggestions while listening to people who stutter as well as to increase education that help is available for stuttering.
The other day American Idol had a wonderful singer on to audition. He was a handsome young man named Lazaro. He had a severe stutter and a golden voice. People who stutter don't stutter when they sing as it taps the right hemisphere of the brain and utilizes increased coordination of breathing and continuous movement of words. People who stutter don't like to be interrupted. Mariah mistakingly finished Lazaro's sentence at the end. Finishing someone's sentence only makes them rush to get the words out and actually could increase stuttering. Many listeners do not know how to react when someone is stuttering. I am glad he is going to Hollywood. His voice is beautiful. If anyone missed it, here is the clip. It brought tears to my eyes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLdg9FMp7f8
Some tips when talking to someone who stutters:
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1. Let them finish their sentence
2. Establish eye contact
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3. Avoid saying slow down and take a breath
4. Listen to the message not how it is said
Early intervention is key to attempt to eliminate stuttering before age 6. If your child is stuttering please don't wait. There is also help available after this age to increase fluency and improve communication. Don't let stuttering stop you!
