Treatment for Preschool Children

Early Intervention and Stuttering Prevention

Our natural instinct tells us "the earlier the better". However, for years, the management of stuttering in very young children went against that instinct. Parents were typically counseled with advice such as "he'll outgrow it" or "it will just stop if you don't make her so self- conscious about it." This is not so any more.

Recent research now supports our common sense that tells us to intervene early. We now know that:

The sooner a child receives treatment, the shorter the treatment time will be.

The sooner therapy is undertaken, the more likely it is that the stuttering will be completely eradicated before it becomes chronic and debilitating.

Some of the most important work now being done in stuttering is early intervention treatment. It is cost effective, in both financial and emotional terms. It is almost unconscionable for a child to be denied it.

Stephen

Early intervention is appropriate for children from age 2 to 6. This type of treatment reflects the Institute's whole person philosophy and is conducted by our experienced staff. Following an initial evaluation, treatment is conducted in a traditional weekly session model during which the child may be seen for individual sessions.

The treatment process includes significant parental/caretaker involvement and, on occasion, only the parents or primary caretakers are involved. A supplemental parent support group which provides an environment in which parents can receive mutual support is offered as well. Elena with pre-schooler

Any parent who is concerned should contact us and we will be happy to advise you. If you live in the New York tri-state area, an appointment for an evaluation may be made. Assessments can be made without the obligation of enrolling in treatment. If you are from outside the New York area, we will assist you in locating a specialist.

In addition, we highly recommend getting information from the various other organizations for stuttering. The Stuttering Foundation of America, a non-profit organization whose mission it is to educate the public about stuttering has books, pamphlets and excellent videos available. The National Stuttering Association is a national self-help organization and also has excellent materials available. Friends, the Association for Young People who Stutter, is an excellent resource for support and information. And lastly, The Stuttering Homepage is a vast web site of information.