Delayed Onset and Denial
Hi all!
My name is Jackie and I am currently a second year speech-language pathology graduate student. I am currently at a school externship and have an interesting client on my case that I could use some experienced knowledge and advice for.
This client has high functioning AU and has been receiving language services through the school. They are currently in second grade, and at the beginning of the school year, after being tested and diagnosed with AU, they began stuttering for the first time. As I have learned in my current fluency class, this is a late onset to stuttering and unfortunately I do not have any extended background information besides they have never stuttered before now.
Over the past couple of months their stutter has become more severe as they choose to speak in very short phrases and shut down to one word answers when they encounter a block. Their blocks and prolongations are accompanied by facial twitching and grimaces as well as a couple of other secondary bodily behaviors.
My biggest problem right now is that this client denies their stutter and refuses to engage in conversation about it, although it is obvious they are struggling. They have become much more defiant in class and are now known to pick on other kids and act out daily. I am concerned that their behavior is a reflection of their frustration with their own speech. Do you have any advice or similar stories about their late onset and how to approach fluency therapy with them?
Thank you all for your time and sharing your expert knowledge!!
Jackie
Hey Jackie!
Thanks for your question..
Children surprise us the most, especially when we are least expecting it! You’ll be surprised how clued in and clear they are about a lot of things that we feel they need ‘guidance’ about. Denial is a strong word. Maybe this child is completely in touch with what they feel, just that they’re not ready to talk about it yet.
Sometimes, when that happens, it helps for you to share what you know/ feel. Talk about other children that you’ve met, talk about different activities that children enjoy while learning to speak (not necessarily to overcome stuttering). Share videos of children who stutter sharing their experiences. Videos of camps such as Dream Speak Live are freely available on YouTube..
Sometimes it helps to keep stuttering aside altogether and spend time getting to know this child as a person.. through stories and free play.
In my experience, child or adolescent, once they know you mean well, they’ll want to talk to you on their own. Just make it clear through your actions and words that you’re not here to get rid of a problem. You’re just here for them as a person and you’re ready to help in any way. Good luck!
Pallavi