Treatment of stuttering in children

If a child starts stuttering, most parents immediately have a lot of questions. How to get rid of the problem? Is it possible? Which specialist is best to contact? Indeed, treating stuttering in children is a complex process, and often requires a lot of patience from mom and dad. However, nothing is impossible: if you do everything right, stuttering will go away without a trace.

In this article, we have collected material that will help parents understand the most common questions regarding childhood stuttering.

What kind of doctor treats stuttering in children?

Treatment of childhood stuttering is carried out by medical specialists such as pediatricians, speech therapists and neuropsychiatrists.

The pediatrician deals with auxiliary treatment methods that help strengthen the immune system, prevent diseases of the larynx and vocal cords. In the presence of infectious processes, he prescribes complex treatment with the additional inclusion of physical therapy.

A psychoneurologist can help a child adapt to the outside world, cope with discomfort when communicating with strangers, and realize their full value and uniqueness in a good sense of the word. A psychoneurologist conducts classes not only with the child, but also with his parents, explaining to them how to behave in the family so as not to traumatize the vulnerable child's psyche.

A speech therapist is directly involved in eliminating speech problems.

Can an osteopath cure stuttering?

An osteopath is a specialist who represents one of the alternative directions of manual therapy – osteopathy. An osteopath knows the subtleties of the anatomy and structure of the body, as he acts with his hands in relation to the circulation of blood and lymph, which helps bring the organs to a natural balance.

How can an osteopath help with stuttering?

If a child's stuttering is caused by increased intracranial pressure, birth injuries or other physical disorders, then such a specialist can really help. After manual procedures, the central nervous system improves, muscle spasms are relieved, and the child's activity is normalized.

When choosing a specialist in this field of medicine, you should definitely make sure of his qualifications. The fact is that in our country there are no specialized medical institutions that train osteopathic doctors. Therefore, carefully check the diplomas and licenses of doctors before entrusting them with your child's health.

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In what cases is the help of a speech therapist necessary?

You can suspect that your child is stuttering based on the following symptoms:

• before trying to say something, the baby pauses before the phrase, or repeats one sound;
• the child begins to speak simultaneously with inhalation, or in dissonance with breathing;
• During a conversation, the baby develops obsessive movements and facial twitches.

If you have any suspicions, it is advisable to consult a qualified speech therapist without delay.

What are the treatment methods for stuttering in children?

Treatment methods for stuttering are prescribed by a doctor not only taking into account the parents' preferences, but also based on the child's personal characteristics, as well as depending on the degree of manifestation of the defect. The most well-known methods are:

• drug treatment;
• hypnosis sessions;
• relaxing treatments in the form of baths, manual therapy, massage, breathing exercises;
• acupuncture;
• logorhythmic and speech therapy classes;
• specially developed computer games and programs.

What should be the treatment for neurosis-like stuttering in children?

If a child's stuttering is caused by stress, fear or other psycho-emotional states, then, first of all, it is necessary to tell the doctor about it. If therapy is prescribed correctly, then stuttering of this kind can be cured in a relatively short time.

Nootropics, especially the drug Tenoten, have a good effect on neurosis-like stuttering. This is a safe medication with a mild effect and a minimum set of side effects, which will help relieve the child from the feeling of anxiety, anxiety, and overcome neuropsychic weakness - asthenia.

Sometimes hypnosis becomes the method of choice, which is used to treat older children.

To successfully cure neurosis-like stuttering, it is important to create a peaceful atmosphere in the family, without quarrels, scandals, dialogues in raised tones, swearing and psychological pressure. The child should feel that he is loved, understood, respected as a person. To make the treatment more successful, it is recommended to attend classes with a psychologist or psychoneurologist: in this case, consultations are necessary not only for the child, but also for his parents.

Hypnosis Treatment: Pros and Cons

Hypnosis is considered an effective method of treating childhood stuttering, which has a psychological basis. In most cases, the practice of hypnotic sessions involves the child "living through" the situation (usually stressful) that served as an impetus for the development of the speech defect.

Another option for hypnotic influence is to suggest to the little patient the idea that the problem he experienced is not as sad and terrible as it might seem to him. After the sessions, the child becomes more self-confident. The problems he experienced no longer seem as large-scale and deep as before. Gradually, session after session, the stuttering goes away.

There are two disadvantages to using hypnosis:

• sessions are conducted only for older children;
• The treatment does not provide an immediate effect, which requires additional patience from the baby’s parents and loved ones.

Drug treatment of stuttering in children: general characteristics

Tablets for stuttering in children are prescribed for mild and moderate forms of speech defect. Advanced stages, as a rule, cannot be treated with medication. The fact is that tablets have only a superficial effect, which does not last long, and the list of side effects of drugs is quite significant.

The basis of drug therapy is anticonvulsant and sedative drugs, which, in addition to positive effects, also have negative effects: they inhibit mental processes in the brain, slow down metabolism, cause drowsiness, headaches, and impair learning and memory.

In connection with the above-mentioned points, treatment with medications should not be long-term, and the medications themselves should be selected only by a doctor, taking into account the child’s age and the degree of his speech impairment.

• Phenibut can be prescribed for stuttering in children due to the psychostimulant, tranquilizing and antioxidant properties of this drug. In addition, Phenibut stabilizes sleep, eliminates convulsions, reduces general tension, anxiety and fear.

For stuttering, the usual dosage is 50 to 100 mg of medication three times a day for 1-1.5 months.

At the very beginning of taking the drug, drowsiness, lethargy, headaches and even increased neurological symptoms may be observed: the child may become irritable and agitated. However, on the 4th-5th day of treatment, such symptoms should disappear on their own.

• Pantogam is a nootropic anticonvulsant. Pantogam is used quite often for stuttering in children, as it has a mild sedative effect in combination with improved mental and physical functionality. Children under 3 years of age are usually prescribed syrup, and older patients are prescribed Pantogam in tablet form. The standard single dose of the drug is from 0.25 to 0.5 g, and the daily dose is from 0.75 to 3 g. Caution: Pantogam can cause allergies, sleep disorders, short-term tinnitus.
• Tenoten for stuttering in children is considered one of the safest drugs. For children, a special "Tenoten for children" has been developed, intended for the treatment of small patients from 3 years old. Tablets are taken 1 piece from 1 to 3 times a day, holding in the oral cavity until completely dissolved. The total duration of Tenoten intake is 2-3 months. If necessary, the doctor can extend the course of therapy. The drug has virtually no side effects.
• Mydocalm for stuttering in children can be prescribed only if speech disorders are associated with increased tone and muscle spasms that have arisen as a result of organic disorders of the nervous system (for example, with damage to the pyramidal tract, with encephalomyelitis, etc.). The drug is approved for use from the age of 3, based on a dosage of 5 mg per kg of body weight per day (divided into three doses). During treatment, Mydocalm can cause adverse effects in the form of muscle weakness, headaches, decreased blood pressure, and dyspepsia.

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Electrophoresis for stuttering in children

Physiotherapeutic treatment of speech defects is carried out taking into account the clinical degree of pathology and the presence of convulsive syndrome in the child. In diseases affecting the central nervous system, treatment procedures with potassium iodide may be prescribed.

If a child is diagnosed with articulatory spasms, electrophoresis with antispasmodic drugs can help, sometimes in combination with psychostimulating therapy.

Additionally, the doctor may recommend baths with pine needles, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and also electrosleep.

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Exercises for stuttering in children

When doing special exercises or simply communicating, the baby should look straight ahead without lowering his head. For this, parents can help the child by holding his chin while talking. The baby should understand that for normal communication, in addition to speech, eye contact is very important. For the same reason, the child should not "hide" his eyes or look away.

Among the exercises, breathing exercises are welcomed, which we will discuss below, as well as speech training of the tongue, lips and facial expressions. It is recommended that the child read aloud or tell what he just heard from his parents. Constant and prolonged communication helps to eliminate the signs of stuttering more quickly.

Articulation gymnastics for stuttering in children

Correct speech function is formed by the mobility of the so-called articulatory organs: tongue, lower jaw, lips, palate. If the listed organs have defects or are not properly controlled by the brain, their function may be impaired.

However, this situation is fixable, and special classes in the form of articulation gymnastics can help. Classes are held every day to consolidate a stable result.

The lesson plan is as follows:

• exercises are performed sequentially, gradually making them more difficult;
• It is better if the classes are held in the form of a game – with positive emotions;
• if any of the exercises are difficult for the child, then there is no need to try to master new exercises until the previous lesson has been completed;
• During classes, the child should sit with a straight back, without excessive tension, opposite the adult;
• It is desirable to have a mirror nearby so that the patient can see his reflection and control the quality of the movements performed.

During the exercise, the adult also monitors its quality, while encouraging the child.

In brief, articulatory gymnastics looks like this:

Exercises for lip mobility:

• stretching into a smile;
• movements of the tip of the tongue up and down;
• pursing lips;
• touching lips with teeth;
• lip flapping ("mute fish");
• imitation of a horse's "snort";
• drawing the lips inward;
• puffing out cheeks;
• holding small objects with the lips.

Cheek mobility exercises:

• demonstration of language;
• imitation of coughing movements;
• movements of the tongue in one direction and the other;
• licking teeth;
• moving large beans in the oral cavity;
• blowing a feather, etc.

Exercises for throat mobility:

• imitation of yawning;
• coughing, including with the tongue hanging out;
• imitation of gargling, swallowing water;
• imitation of moaning, mooing, bleating.

In fact, the presented list is far from complete: there are many more similar exercises, and all of them are very interesting and effective. The only condition: they must be performed regularly, and the positive result will not take long to come.

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Breathing in children with stuttering: features

Particular attention is paid to breathing exercises, which help the little patient feel natural and relaxed during conversation.

It is recommended to do such exercises every morning, regardless of the age of the baby.

Breathing exercises strengthen the diaphragm, improve the mobility of the vocal cords, and make breathing deeper and more voluminous.

1. Lesson I:

• the child stands up straight;
• bends forward, arching his back and lowering his head and outstretched arms (the neck is not tense);
• the child makes movements similar to how one pumps up tires in wheels, while simultaneously bending over and inhaling sharply and maximally through the nose;
• when the back is not fully straightened, exhale;
• the exercise requires 8 repetitions;
• After a few seconds of rest, the approach can be repeated (it is recommended to perform 10 to 12 such approaches).

2. Lesson II:

• the child stands up straight, legs shoulder-width apart, hands on the waist;
• turns his head to the left, simultaneously inhaling sharply;
• turns his head in the opposite direction, exhaling sharply;
• repeats the exercise, taking 8 breaths in and out;
• Usually three approaches of 8 inhalations and exhalations are practiced.

If the baby feels well, further classes can be held twice a day. The results will become noticeable within 2-3 months of regular classes.

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Massage for stuttering in children

In case of stuttering, doctors recommend massaging the shoulder girdle and collar area. Such massage relaxes and relieves muscle spasms. Sessions should be repeated 4 times a year, in courses of 10-12 sessions.

Good results are also achieved by point massage, which must be performed by a specialist in this field. It will require activation of 17 points, located mainly in the back and face area. A course of point treatment usually consists of 15 procedures. After a full course, doctors promise the first positive results.

Treating stuttering in children at home – is it possible?

In order to cure a child of stuttering, it is not necessary to place him/her in hospital. Of course, for some activities, it may be necessary to visit a psychologist or speech therapist. However, the child will be able to do most of the exercises at home, under the sensitive guidance of parents.

For example, poems and tongue twisters can be practiced together with mom and dad. The same applies to breathing exercises. The baby will be happy to realize that his parents are trying very hard to help him.

However, if there is a negative attitude in the family, scandals, quarrels and squabbles often arise, then there can be no talk of any home treatment for stuttering. Constant moral oppression of a small person will never lead to a solution to the speech problem.

For the treatment to be successful, parents are required to:

• patience;
• love for the child and other family members;
• mutual respect;
• desire to help no matter what.

The baby should never feel inferior or an outcast. The task of loved ones is to give him confidence and set him up for positive thinking.

Folk remedies for stuttering in children

Treatment of stuttering in children using traditional medicine is mainly aimed at normalizing nervous function and stabilizing the patient’s psycho-emotional state.

• Pour boiling water (250 ml) over 1 teaspoon of dried mint leaves, chamomile flowers, and valerian rhizome. Leave for 20 minutes. Take 100 ml in the morning and at night.
• Mix equal parts of rose hips, lemon balm leaves, wormwood, mint, dandelion rhizome and calendula flowers. Pour 250 ml of boiling water over half a tablespoon of the mixture and leave for 2 hours. Take before meals 4-5 times a day.
• Take a bath with aromatic oils of mint, wild strawberry, thyme, lavender, sage. Duration of the bath is 20 minutes. The water should be warm, providing a relaxing effect.
• Prepare tea based on hawthorn berries, linden flowers, lemon balm, valerian rhizome. Add honey and drink little by little throughout the day.

The most effective herbs for stuttering in children:

• valerian;
• sweet clover;
• lemon balm, mint;
• calendula;
• birch (leaves);
• heather (shoots);
• linden;
• caraway;
• nettle;
• hawthorn and rose hips;
• raspberries, blackberries, strawberries.

Games for children who stutter

When choosing games for a stuttering child, you need to remember some rules:

• Overly emotional and active games can aggravate stuttering;
• It is necessary to choose quiet games that do not require a large number of participants. Such games can be, for example, coloring books, board games, making plasticine crafts, etc.;
• You should not attend noisy events with your baby that may excite the child’s psyche;
• In addition, it is advisable to exclude sports competitions. Individual physical exercises and walks in nature, in the park, near water bodies are better suited for a stutterer.

There are also a large number of computer development programs that help a child get rid of stuttering in a playful way. Usually, children really like such games and are happy to do them.

Poems for stuttering in children

A child who stutters will find it interesting to imagine himself in different images: for example, let him imagine himself as a butterfly or a kitten. Such games can be accompanied by sound and speech comments:

How does a butterfly flutter? – fr-r-r-...
How does a kitten purr? – purr-r, purr-r...
How does an owl hoot? - U-uf-f-...

Toddlers usually enjoy repeating and do so without hesitation.

A butterfly landed on my finger.
I wanted to catch it.
I grabbed the butterfly with my hand -
But caught my finger!

Once upon a time there were two cats -
Eight paws, two tails!

Little owl,
big head.
Sits high, |
Looks far.

Poems should be read loudly, with expression and arrangement, breathing in and out correctly. At the end of the lesson, the child should be given the opportunity to relax and lie down for some time in a calm environment.

Treatment of stuttering in children should not be accompanied by discussion and condemnation of the speech problem by adults. The outcome will be successful if the emotional background for the child is created correctly, wherever he is.