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From: Lynne
Date: 14 Oct 2007
Time: 15:15:43 -0500
Remote Name: 70.237.227.11
Erica, That is quite a good question and I'm glad you asked it. I actually tend to find that young children do have opinions about what they like and dislike. Some of them even have quite specific ideas about what they want to do about their speech. I had a five year old once who came in on the first session and told me she was there to do something about her stuttering and she hoped we had some good ideas for her. Never underestimate a client because of their age. With many young children, you may begin by teaching them about how speech works and then find out how they see their stuttering, if they are aware of it. When you begin to introduce ways to modify their speech, I always tell them that we'll be trying these tools 'on for size' and I want them to tell me what they think of them, good or bad. I also explore how they feel about their stuttering. If they are really bothered by it, I think it is important to talk about that, as well. As with older clients, though, it is important to consult the client rather than assuming they are on the same page as you! Encouraging young children to be partners in their therapy helps them begin early to have ownership of their speech and how to manage it. It can be lots of fun to work together with them. Best regards, Lynne