How to Treat Speech Disorders

Speech disorders are common among young children but with appropriate therapy most will be resolved easily. For more serious disorders, on-going treatment may be needed. This article will guide you in treating speech disorders.

Instructions

Instructions In Treating Speech Disorders

1. Refrain from panicking if your child occasionally stutters or stumbles over a word. Children’s minds run faster than their mouths sometimes and, often, a mild stammer at a young age will resolve itself without intervention.

2. Verify that there is no physical reason for the speech disorder, such as a cleft palate or jaw deformity, which can hinder speech development.

3. Consider speech therapy in a relaxed setting. Reading aloud and having the patient repeat the sentences is a good method for small children, as are repetitive rhymes or games.

4. Memorize poems or stories for recitation. This is an extremely helpful form of speech therapy. Many patients can also sing with no problem; another part of the brain seems to take over and eliminate the problem.

5. Practice sounds and words throughout the day by naming things or reading aloud as you write. Try to do it without consciously thinking about it - often the problem lessens if you are not concentrating on it so hard.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid telling people with a stutter or stammer to take it easy or slow down. This can make them feel even more frustrated. Don’t finish their sentences for them.

• Speech disorders can cause depression. Consult a doctor if your loved one is depressed due to a speech disorder.