Stuttering in very young children

[Toms Dad]

Hi all. New to the forum, in fact this is my first post. I had a moderate stutter when I was aged 5-10, which caused me a fair bit of grief and shame (I’m sure a lot of you know what I mean), had some therapy but never really got over it. I learned to avoid the things I couldn’t say, and eventually managed to put it behind me. I deal with it now, and in fact I rarely notice it.
Fast forward 25 years or so, now married with two kids and a third on the way. My youngest is Tomas, 2yrs 11mths old and in the last week he has begun to stutter. Disturbingly, it seems to be the sounds I struggled with (W, Y and I amongst others) that he has trouble with.
I’m wondering if anyone else has seen this in kids this young? It breaks my heart to see my little man going through it, I’d say he is too young for any professional help, but I’m not sure. Hopefully someone can advise what my wife and I can do to help him.
It has happened so suddenly, literally in a matter of days. We did have a friend of the family pass away last week, so I’m wondering if it could have been triggered by stress? Any help or advice appreciated, I know I shouldn’t worry too much about it yet i know, but I can’t help it when it caused me such trauma in my younger years. I don’t want my boy to go through what I did.

Thanks for listening

Matt

[Charlieb]

Hi Matt,
When I read this my heart sank, I have a two year old boy, and although he only has a few words so far I'm scared shitless that he will stammer. I too went through the mill growing up with my stammer and don't want him to have the same experiences.

As for advice I can only share what I think I would do in this situation, I agree he is probably too young for speech therapy, But I'd get it checked anyway (get a couple of opinions, not just one). Don't put any pressure on him to speak, and don't finish his words for him. If it is stress from your brevement (and my sympathies btw) leave it pass. We too lost a family member recently and although he is too young to understand, I believe children that age are like sponges, soaking up everything around them. If you're sad, He knows it.

Above all, I would say he's still a child, so keep it light, and don't worry I'm sure it will pass.

Best regards
Charlie.

[nate]

I'm a father of twin boys I scared too. They were LBW preemies and with a father who stammers as much as me I dont know...Theyre still aways off from starting to speak but forewarned is forearmed.
Well whatever you do Toms Dad, be sure to let us know so that if this happens to me I at least have a clue.
Hanan and Manan's Dad

[andrewg818]

Hiya,
Childhood stuttering usually begins between the ages of 2 and 6. First, remember, it's NOT The end of the world---as much as I know [and can empathize as a father] w/ how perfectly we want things to go for our children, they will all--in fact, they HAVE to experience some "owies" in life---In some ways, I am happy I stuttered for so many years-- my life would've turned out so different had I not done so--There are tremendous learning and life opportunities--shaping and molding--for him WITH [or without] a stutter--and it will ALL be good...
That said, if he's only been doing it for a few weeks--or a couple of months and hasn't had a heck of a lot of attention drawn to it, he does stand a good chance of "outgrowing" it. In my own experience, as someone who has overcome adult stuttering, helped adults & children, and who believes I firmly understand the nature of the "problem," the following steps should do a WORLD of good for your son-- Of course, check w/ pediatrician first [don't expect the pediatrician to know ANYTHING tangible about stuttering AT ALL--- I just mean-- to make sure your child has no medical aversions/obstacles to these suggestions]:

Eliminate caffeine and refined sugar from his diet. If your child drinks soda [I've seen 2 year olds being given soda]-- change it. Limit excessive sweets/stimulantsfor at least one month.

Find out the acceptable daily doseage of VITAMIN B-1 for your child--and give him the maximum amount to which your pediatrician agrees--on a daily basis-- mixed w/ fruit juice for at least 1 month..

Ensure that your child --for now--gets as much sleep/rest as possible---and remove any stresses from his environment that you reasonably can..[i..e are there are any tensions/stresses at home that would keep a child tense? If so-- remove them as much as you can for now !]

Your child models his speaking after those who he hears talking.. Have you, your wife, and others in the house--speak a bit slowly..nicely..but slowly in front of him---especially slowing the beginning/onset of each sentence.

Of course, don't make a big deal out of the stuttering--even if you think your child cannot "understand" what you are saying-- He perceives A LOT and records it subconsciously-- be indifferent to the stutter...not just patient and accepting--but INDIFFERENT...

After a few weeks/month has passed w/ these steps in place, let us know how he's doing.

All the best,
Andrew Greenstein

[Adrian]

Hiya,
Childhood stuttering usually begins between the ages of 2 and 6. First, remember, it's NOT The end of the world---as much as I know [and can empathize as a father] w/ how perfectly we want things to go for our children, they will all--in fact, they HAVE to experience some "owies" in life---In some ways, I am happy I stuttered for so many years-- my life would've turned out so different had I not done so--There are tremendous learning and life opportunities--shaping and molding--for him WITH [or without] a stutter--and it will ALL be good...
That said, if he's only been doing it for a few weeks--or a couple of months and hasn't had a heck of a lot of attention drawn to it, he does stand a good chance of "outgrowing" it. In my own experience, as someone who has overcome adult stuttering, helped adults & children, and who believes I firmly understand the nature of the "problem," the following steps should do a WORLD of good for your son-- Of course, check w/ pediatrician first [don't expect the pediatrician to know ANYTHING tangible about stuttering AT ALL--- I just mean-- to make sure your child has no medical aversions/obstacles to these suggestions]:

Eliminate caffeine and refined sugar from his diet. If your child drinks soda [I've seen 2 year olds being given soda]-- change it. Limit excessive sweets/stimulantsfor at least one month.

Find out the acceptable daily doseage of VITAMIN B-1 for your child--and give him the maximum amount to which your pediatrician agrees--on a daily basis-- mixed w/ fruit juice for at least 1 month..

Ensure that your child --for now--gets as much sleep/rest as possible---and remove any stresses from his environment that you reasonably can..[i..e are there are any tensions/stresses at home that would keep a child tense? If so-- remove them as much as you can for now !]

Your child models his speaking after those who he hears talking.. Have you, your wife, and others in the house--speak a bit slowly..nicely..but slowly in front of him---especially slowing the beginning/onset of each sentence.

Of course, don't make a big deal out of the stuttering--even if you think your child cannot "understand" what you are saying-- He perceives A LOT and records it subconsciously-- be indifferent to the stutter...not just patient and accepting--but INDIFFERENT...

After a few weeks/month has passed w/ these steps in place, let us know how he's doing.

All the best,
Andrew Greenstein

Matt,

FYI, this information comes directly from the website of a very controversial speech therapist named Martin Schwartz. Schwartz resigned from ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Association) many years ago. It is my understanding he resigned rather then answer ethics questions and many beleive he is a charlatan. I am not saying the advice is good or bad, but I thought you would like to know the source.

I would recommend you speak with a speech therapist certified by ASHA and who is experienced in stuttering.

Adrian

[Adrian]

Matt,

FYI, this information comes directly from the website of a very controversial speech therapist named Martin Schwartz. Schwartz resigned from ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Association) many years ago. It is my understanding he resigned rather then answer ethics questions and many beleive he is a charlatan. I am not saying the advice is good or bad, but I thought you would like to know the source.

I would recommend you speak with a speech therapist certified by ASHA and who is experienced in stuttering.

Adrian

Matt, I just realized you are in Australia. You may want to find a therapist certified by it's equivlent of ASHA. :)

[andrewg818]

I would add the following to my friend Adrian's astute comments:

*There is nothing in those suggestions that can possibly HURT--- i.e. elimination of a caffeine from any child's diet--and the assurance of sufficient b-1 to reduce muscle tension are hardly controversial ideas that could jeopardize your child's health or likelihood of overcoming stuttering

*Statistically, speech pathologists have virtually no success treating childhood stuttering-- They talk a good game--but they tend to draw attention to the child's speech, the child learns that they HAVE a speech problem, they reinforce it subconsciously, and they go on to become adult stutterers-- It becomes their identity. Having your child sit in a room learning to "talk" is, in my opinion, completely unnecessary. Your child is perfectly capable of speaking on his own---and in MY opinion, sending an almost 3 year old to an "certified" pathologist who has never helped a single child overcome stuttering--so that your child can sit there and learn "special" ways of talking while reinforcing that he has a "problem" w/ speech is silly....One month is very little time---try the suggested changes--and report the success back to us

*P.S. Anyone know of a traditional speech pathologist--certified or otherwise--who has helped a child or an adult successfully overcome stuttering? Because, personally, I've never met one nor have I heard of one...

[nate]

:D Oh not again!:D
Nate

[nate]

*There is nothing in those suggestions that can possibly HURT--- i.e. elimination of a caffeine from any child's diet--and the assurance of sufficient b-1 to reduce muscle tension are hardly controversial ideas that could jeopardize your child's health or likelihood of overcoming stuttering


FYI: Andrew, caffeine has the opposite effect in children than adults. In fact some doctors prescribe caffeine pills to calm children down. Its the sugar that usually comes with it that makes them a bit jumpy.
Feel free to correct me
Nate

[Adrian]

Matt,

To clarify, I would not suggest you put your child in therapy. I agree he is too young. However, a reputable certified specialist in stuttering is the best place to get your information.

Adrian

[andrewg818]

Nate-Correct.. On SOME children, caffeine has had an opposite EFFECT--but the EFFECT is not associated w/ the stuttering... jitteriness does not cause the kind of stuttering we who have stuttered experience.. as you know--you can "feel" calm and still stutter-- The caffeine [in adults and childrens] is a stimulant and causes muscle tension-- in this case -- in the larynx...whether the child is calm or hyper.. See what I mean? Many sites, however, still point out that caffeine is dangerous--especially for children who are more sensitive to its ills.. i.e.:
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/food/general/caffeine.html

and
http://health.nine.com.au/article.aspx?id=21162


Adrian-- Perhaps you can recommend a "knowledgeable, reputable speech pathologist" in his area w/ some experience in this field who has had some success--- You know, since the child shouldn't go to speech therapy-- Maybe you can help him find someone who will just give out free information agreeing w/ that-- someone who has had success w/ stutterers-- There are lots of those, after all. It would be illogical to take any advice from someone who has actually stuttered, helped people overcome stuttering, and lectured nationwide about it--since he did not get trained as a speech therapist to tell people that stuttering cannot be overcome. I see your logic. Shall we go back and forth for another 2 weeks?
P.S. I do believe the father wrote to this board-- knowing that we were not a group of speech pathologists--but rather supportive people to offer ideas and advice-- You sure give plenty of your own--w/out me following you around everywhere chiming in "Note: Adrian gets his information from a lifetime of suffering, self-oppression, and hatred of a particular man who insulted him and his father as a boy. His opinions are not professional and he has no training. Of course, I'm not saying he's wrong-- I just want you to know that" STOP already-- It's plain silly, man!

w/ love,
Andrew

[Adrian]

Nate-Correct.. On SOME children, caffeine has had an opposite EFFECT--but the EFFECT is not associated w/ the stuttering... jitteriness does not cause the kind of stuttering we who have stuttered experience.. as you know--you can "feel" calm and still stutter-- The caffeine [in adults and childrens] is a stimulant and causes muscle tension-- in this case -- in the larynx...whether the child is calm or hyper.. See what I mean? Many sites, however, still point out that caffeine is dangerous--especially for children who are more sensitive to its ills.. i.e.:
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/food/general/caffeine.html

and
http://health.nine.com.au/article.aspx?id=21162


Adrian-- Perhaps you can recommend a "knowledgeable, reputable speech pathologist" in his area w/ some experience in this field who has had some success--- You know, since the child shouldn't go to speech therapy-- Maybe you can help him find someone who will just give out free information agreeing w/ that-- someone who has had success w/ stutterers-- There are lots of those, after all. It would be illogical to take any advice from someone who has actually stuttered, helped people overcome stuttering, and lectured nationwide about it--since he did not get trained as a speech therapist to tell people that stuttering cannot be overcome. I see your logic. Shall we go back and forth for another 2 weeks?
P.S. I do believe the father wrote to this board-- knowing that we were not a group of speech pathologists--but rather supportive people to offer ideas and advice-- You sure give plenty of your own--w/out me following you around everywhere chiming in "Note: Adrian gets his information from a lifetime of suffering, self-oppression, and hatred of a particular man who insulted him and his father as a boy. His opinions are not professional and he has no training. Of course, I'm not saying he's wrong-- I just want you to know that" STOP already-- It's plain silly, man!

w/ love,
Andrew

Andrew, I was sincerely making a effort to not make this discussion personal and bring your name into this. I thought our last exchange made us both look immature and I was really trying to avoid a repeat. But, since you apparently would like to make this personal again...

Why should Matt take Schwartz's advice??? Schwartz's reputation is in the gutter and he is hated by many in the stuttering . He, by his own admission, has had over 15,000 clients in the last 40 years and only has a handfull of supporters (your being one of them). Other SLPs have very little respect for his opinion, see the links below (I have posted them before)...

http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/Internet/1997.html

http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/Internet/1996.html

http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/Internet/1995.html

I share your skepticism about SLPs. I think there are quite a few clueless speech therapists out there. But Schwartz has had his head in the sand for the last 35 years stubbornly hanging onto his little theories which so successfully sells his therapy.

Oh, I better watch out. Schwartz likes to threaton to sue those who disagree with him. That should tell you something about the man. If he were for real, he would not take such a hard line to silence his critics.

Adrian

[andrewg818]

Adrian,
Again, you will notice that I never* ever use Schwartz's name, never endorse him, never said I like *the man* [have even alluded to the contrary repeatedly], and have never recommended his services to a soul on here. Yet, you can continue to bring up his name and refer to his website. Since you obviously have been hurt by the man, I don't recommend you continue doing so as it appears to be contradictory to your cause. Why? Most people know that bad publicity is better than no publicity. This is especially true on the Internet. Each time you make a post about Schwartz--you increase the number of ways people can find him--and the link popularity of his sites and sites that link to his--thus, increasing their relevance for a number of searches pertaining to stuttering---enabling people to find him easier w/out ever seeing your red flags and cautions [and, even w/ seeing them--you're still promoting].
Now, what my suggestion that the man take the Pepsi bottle away from his son has to do w/ Schwartz's lawsuits --or his 10 year old discussion about an airway dialation reflex and other irrelevant topics w/ a university and some speech pathologists-- is beyond me-- Then again, you're just going off topic as usual. The man asked a question-- I gave a sound SUGGESTION and IDEA that is in the INTERESTS of his child--and, in my opinion is a lot more COHERENT than "oh, you can check that out --but it's a risk-- it's controversial [telling kids not to drink soda and take vitamin b is controversial? cite a source for that, please--other than one produced by the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company!]---"-- and it's A LOT more coherent than "Hey, you should go to a certified speech pathologist BUT NOT for help, you son shouldn't get help, he should stay away from that BUT you should get INFORMATION from them"
WHAT ?!!??!
WHAT ?!!?
What are you even saying?
While I appreciate that Martin Schwartz is a demonic figure from your childhood who, in some way, scorned you that you foam at the mouth over him decades later, it is YOU who keep [again] bringing him up. I told a guy to take his son off of the Pepsi bottle. Big deal. You told him to be careful about me, to call a speech pathologist, but don't go TO a speech pathologist, just get information--even though it's likely that pathologist has never helped a soul. It doesn't matter if I learned it from Dr. Schwartz, Dr. Seuss, or my own experience... I have lived it and experienced it.
I accpet my stuttering past.
I accept my fluent present.
I have helped people AROUND the world become fluent and never accepted a dime. You sit around on your ass and warn people to avoid the HURT that YOU felt when you got SCORED as a child by an evil speech pathologist-and can't seem to let any other human; adult or child-- even try something as SIMPLE as STOPPING THEIR CAFFEINE intake--w/out an over the top, cynical "Adrian surgeon general's warning"
Adrian-- Many people have become fluent--TOTALLY fluent in many ways.. Each time you DISSUADE someone--you don't save them from the terrible hurt you suffered at the hands of the Evil Dr. Schwartz when you were a child-- All you do is potentially DISSUADE them from becoming "one of those rare few" who overcame stuttering. You sit here and moan to people and -- in the faux name of helping tell them to "be careful"-- but you never give anyone any real concrete advice they can USE-- You rarely reply to questions directly...

I seriously draw the line when it comes to you imposing your cynicsm, unresearched cls..
I am more than willing to post all day and night for the next 90 years to answer your crying babble.

I get nothing for this and I have nothign to lose..but I'll be damned if I'm going to let you potentially hurt a 3 year old child--by scaring his father away from trying to do something that HELPS MANY--and is perfectly sensible--when all you have to offer is "Gee, consult a speech pathologist-Those folks who never really help anyone become fluent-- Don't pay them-- Just get information from them-- From there, do whatever"

Leave the child alone, Adrian-- he doesn't need to suffer the hurtful scorn you did when you saw Schwartz, "the demon," or any other pathologist--but he also doesn't need to be robbed of a chance to enjoy the fluency that tens of thousands of former stutterers have.

I am more than ready for more. This will go on forever, if you like. The bottom line is this:
You stutter and you help people stutter.
I am fluent and I help people become fluent.

[Adrian]

Adrian,
Again, you will notice that I never* ever use Schwartz's name, never endorse him, never said I like *the man* [have even alluded to the contrary repeatedly], and have never recommended his services to a soul on here. Yet, you can continue to bring up his name and refer to his website. Since you obviously have been hurt by the man, I don't recommend you continue doing so as it appears to be contradictory to your cause. Why? Most people know that bad publicity is better than no publicity. This is especially true on the Internet. Each time you make a post about Schwartz--you increase the number of ways people can find him--and the link popularity of his sites and sites that link to his--thus, increasing their relevance for a number of searches pertaining to stuttering---enabling people to find him easier w/out ever seeing your red flags and cautions [and, even w/ seeing them--you're still promoting].
Now, what my suggestion that the man take the Pepsi bottle away from his son has to do w/ Schwartz's lawsuits --or his 10 year old discussion about an airway dialation reflex and other irrelevant topics w/ a university and some speech pathologists-- is beyond me-- Then again, you're just going off topic as usual. The man asked a question-- I gave a sound SUGGESTION and IDEA that is in the INTERESTS of his child--and, in my opinion is a lot more COHERENT than "oh, you can check that out --but it's a risk-- it's controversial [telling kids not to drink soda and take vitamin b is controversial? cite a source for that, please--other than one produced by the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company!]---"-- and it's A LOT more coherent than "Hey, you should go to a certified speech pathologist BUT NOT for help, you son shouldn't get help, he should stay away from that BUT you should get INFORMATION from them"
WHAT ?!!??!
WHAT ?!!?
What are you even saying?
While I appreciate that Martin Schwartz is a demonic figure from your childhood who, in some way, scorned you that you foam at the mouth over him decades later, it is YOU who keep [again] bringing him up. I told a guy to take his son off of the Pepsi bottle. Big deal. You told him to be careful about me, to call a speech pathologist, but don't go TO a speech pathologist, just get information--even though it's likely that pathologist has never helped a soul. It doesn't matter if I learned it from Dr. Schwartz, Dr. Seuss, or my own experience... I have lived it and experienced it.
I accpet my stuttering past.
I accept my fluent present.
I have helped people AROUND the world become fluent and never accepted a dime. You sit around on your ass and warn people to avoid the HURT that YOU felt when you got SCORED as a child by an evil speech pathologist-and can't seem to let any other human; adult or child-- even try something as SIMPLE as STOPPING THEIR CAFFEINE intake--w/out an over the top, cynical "Adrian surgeon general's warning"
Adrian-- Many people have become fluent--TOTALLY fluent in many ways.. Each time you DISSUADE someone--you don't save them from the terrible hurt you suffered at the hands of the Evil Dr. Schwartz when you were a child-- All you do is potentially DISSUADE them from becoming "one of those rare few" who overcame stuttering. You sit here and moan to people and -- in the faux name of helping tell them to "be careful"-- but you never give anyone any real concrete advice they can USE-- You rarely reply to questions directly...

I seriously draw the line when it comes to you imposing your cynicsm, unresearched cls..
I am more than willing to post all day and night for the next 90 years to answer your crying babble.

I get nothing for this and I have nothign to lose..but I'll be damned if I'm going to let you potentially hurt a 3 year old child--by scaring his father away from trying to do something that HELPS MANY--and is perfectly sensible--when all you have to offer is "Gee, consult a speech pathologist-Those folks who never really help anyone become fluent-- Don't pay them-- Just get information from them-- From there, do whatever"

Leave the child alone, Adrian-- he doesn't need to suffer the hurtful scorn you did when you saw Schwartz, "the demon," or any other pathologist--but he also doesn't need to be robbed of a chance to enjoy the fluency that tens of thousands of former stutterers have.

I am more than ready for more. This will go on forever, if you like. The bottom line is this:
You stutter and you help people stutter.
I am fluent and I help people become fluent.


My God Andrew, can't you write a short succinct response?

Anyway, I wrote a short response letting Matt know where the information you gave him came from. He is an adult and perfectly capable of making a decision from there.

You then chose to attack me personally. I'm not sure what's up with that.

[Adrian]

Adrian,
Again, you will notice that I never* ever use Schwartz's name, never endorse him, never said I like *the man* [have even alluded to the contrary repeatedly], and have never recommended his services to a soul on here. Yet, you can continue to bring up his name and refer to his website. Since you obviously have been hurt by the man, I don't recommend you continue doing so as it appears to be contradictory to your cause. Why? Most people know that bad publicity is better than no publicity. This is especially true on the Internet. Each time you make a post about Schwartz--you increase the number of ways people can find him--and the link popularity of his sites and sites that link to his--thus, increasing their relevance for a number of searches pertaining to stuttering---enabling people to find him easier w/out ever seeing your red flags and cautions [and, even w/ seeing them--you're still promoting].
Now, what my suggestion that the man take the Pepsi bottle away from his son has to do w/ Schwartz's lawsuits --or his 10 year old discussion about an airway dialation reflex and other irrelevant topics w/ a university and some speech pathologists-- is beyond me-- Then again, you're just going off topic as usual. The man asked a question-- I gave a sound SUGGESTION and IDEA that is in the INTERESTS of his child--and, in my opinion is a lot more COHERENT than "oh, you can check that out --but it's a risk-- it's controversial [telling kids not to drink soda and take vitamin b is controversial? cite a source for that, please--other than one produced by the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company!]---"-- and it's A LOT more coherent than "Hey, you should go to a certified speech pathologist BUT NOT for help, you son shouldn't get help, he should stay away from that BUT you should get INFORMATION from them"
WHAT ?!!??!
WHAT ?!!?
What are you even saying?
While I appreciate that Martin Schwartz is a demonic figure from your childhood who, in some way, scorned you that you foam at the mouth over him decades later, it is YOU who keep [again] bringing him up. I told a guy to take his son off of the Pepsi bottle. Big deal. You told him to be careful about me, to call a speech pathologist, but don't go TO a speech pathologist, just get information--even though it's likely that pathologist has never helped a soul. It doesn't matter if I learned it from Dr. Schwartz, Dr. Seuss, or my own experience... I have lived it and experienced it.
I accpet my stuttering past.
I accept my fluent present.
I have helped people AROUND the world become fluent and never accepted a dime. You sit around on your ass and warn people to avoid the HURT that YOU felt when you got SCORED as a child by an evil speech pathologist-and can't seem to let any other human; adult or child-- even try something as SIMPLE as STOPPING THEIR CAFFEINE intake--w/out an over the top, cynical "Adrian surgeon general's warning"
Adrian-- Many people have become fluent--TOTALLY fluent in many ways.. Each time you DISSUADE someone--you don't save them from the terrible hurt you suffered at the hands of the Evil Dr. Schwartz when you were a child-- All you do is potentially DISSUADE them from becoming "one of those rare few" who overcame stuttering. You sit here and moan to people and -- in the faux name of helping tell them to "be careful"-- but you never give anyone any real concrete advice they can USE-- You rarely reply to questions directly...

I seriously draw the line when it comes to you imposing your cynicsm, unresearched cls..
I am more than willing to post all day and night for the next 90 years to answer your crying babble.

I get nothing for this and I have nothign to lose..but I'll be damned if I'm going to let you potentially hurt a 3 year old child--by scaring his father away from trying to do something that HELPS MANY--and is perfectly sensible--when all you have to offer is "Gee, consult a speech pathologist-Those folks who never really help anyone become fluent-- Don't pay them-- Just get information from them-- From there, do whatever"

Leave the child alone, Adrian-- he doesn't need to suffer the hurtful scorn you did when you saw Schwartz, "the demon," or any other pathologist--but he also doesn't need to be robbed of a chance to enjoy the fluency that tens of thousands of former stutterers have.

I am more than ready for more. This will go on forever, if you like. The bottom line is this:
You stutter and you help people stutter.
I am fluent and I help people become fluent.


Andrew, I would prefer Schwartz's name be out there for everyone to see and comment on. I'm am not the only Schwartz flunky on this group (see the archives). It is far better to put his name out there and hear a balanced opinion of the man then have you give a one sided opinion over the phone.

[andrewg818]

Adrian,
Your post is not a pleasantry; it is a warning. It is a thinly veiled caution -- completely uncharacteristic of your posts about any other topic by any other person. Here's the short answer: I offered the man help-- He asked for driving directions to a town--and I gave him one possible route-- All you've done is warned him that you got into a car accident there when you were a child--and to watch out for the blood..and to go ask a park ranger for "official" directions instead. You're very helpful. I'm sure you've saved the 3 year old from a lifetime of pain.

[Adrian]

Adrian,
Your post is not a pleasantry; it is a warning. It is a thinly veiled caution -- completely uncharacteristic of your posts about any other topic by any other person. Here's the short answer: I offered the man help-- He asked for driving directions to a town--and I gave him one possible route-- All you've done is warned him that you got into a car accident there when you were a child--and to watch out for the blood..and to go ask a park ranger for "official" directions instead. You're very helpful. I'm sure you've saved the 3 year old from a lifetime of pain.

Andrew, first of all, I appreciate the short response. Secondly, as I said, Matt is an adult, he will read my posts and your posts and come to his own conclusions. I am sure he will do what he feels is best for his son.

[andrewg818]

Adrian,
If I am a father driving my child around a resort region and asking someone for directions to the beautiful beach town of "Fluencia"---and someone tells me how to get there..and then a man named Adrian-- says "Pssst..buddy... you know, people have been killed there..there's a lot of controversy over that town.. it's rough.. no one likes it there..be careful.." -- I've done a little more than just state a helpful fact for someone to make an informed decision. I have intentionally dissuaded someone-- using their weakness/their love for their child--and their concern/need to protect against them.
What I stated was stated independently and indifferent of Dr. Martin Schwartz-- yet you, again, used HIM as your example to intentionally tell the man NOT to go to Fluencia! Moreover, even if Dr. Schwartz was the focus here-- NO PART of my suggestion is part of the "controversy" about the man. Nowhere did I mention the airway dialation reflex, laryngeal spasms, or a 93.4% success rate--or anything else your referenced "controversy" websites discuss. You did not say "Hey, guy, there are many programs out there.. Andrew's suggestion might work for some but not for others.. Hey, I have an idea--why don't you try out this one too ?" -- So stop pretending that was your approach-- Your approach was "HEY BUDDY ! WARNING ! WATCH OUT ! This is lifted from the website of a controversial scam artist, be careful."
Give me a break. Give the world a break..from your pessimistic negativity.
I'm not playing any more. I'll do this w/ you all night, all week, all month--since you're too chicken shit to pick up the phone and call me. Fine: Spend 100X as much time typing to me w/ your garble-gabble.
Bring it on, Adrian.

[andrewg818]

The following sources only BEGIN to support my posting to the boy's father---and I've barely scratched the surface.. Nowhere is Dr. Martin Schwartz mentioned in my post, in the sources below, or anywhere by anyone other than....well, YOU. So attacking my MESSAGE because of your childhood hatred of the man -- THAT"s what immature... I am NOT your cyber-punching bag to take out your deep-rooted hatred of the man--nor am I him --nor am I affiliated w/ or promoting him.

"there is legitimate reason to limit the amount consumed by children."
-from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caffeine#Effects_on_children

"Children only need to intake a small amount in order to generate the same effect that a larger amount would cause in adults.
http://www.unb.ca/bruns/9697/news/Issue4/caffeine.html

"Like grown-ups, kids show ill effects of too much caffeine in body, behavior."
http://www.chiro.org/pediatrics/ABSTRACTS/Caffeine.shtml

"In addition, the drinking of caffeinated, carbonated drinks may exacerbate common childhood ailments such as ear infections and respiratory irritations that produce colds, bronchitis, and asthma."
--http://www.chiro.org/pediatrics/ABSTRACTS/Caffeine.shtml

"Caffeine increases heartbeat, respiration, basal metabolic rate, and the production of stomach acid and urine"
http://web1.caryacademy.org/chemistry/rushin/StudentProjects/CompoundWebSites/1998/Caffeine/effects.htm

"In Denmark during World War I and in England during World War II, when wheat germ remained in all breadstuffs and decreased calories reduced the B-vitamin requirements, the incidence of deaths from heart disease dropped markedly. Dr. Morrison’s spectacular results in treating coronary occlusion and coronary thrombosis with B vitamins cannot be ignored. Animals under stress not given the anti-stress B vitamins die of heart collapse, often while still having all the appearances of health. There is absolutely no proof that the human counterpart of these deaths is not widespread.
--- http://www.nufit.info/category/nutrition-2/vitamins/vitamin-b/

"The B vitamins support nervous system health and maintenance, mental and emotional health, and stress defense. B vitamin deficiencies may contribute to stress-related symptoms, such as depression, irritability, and insomnia, and may even deplete certain chemicals vital to the body's natural stress response. Vitamin B1 helps nerve cells to function properly and provides energy"
https://www.vitacost.com/NSIVitaminBComplex

"Similar to some other B complex vitamins, thiamine is considered an "anti-stress" vitamin because it is believed to enhance the activity of the immune system and improve the body's ability to withstand stressful conditions. "
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/vitamin-b1-000333.htm

"Speak slowly and clearly when talking to your child [who stutters] or others in his or her presence. "
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/stutter.html

"Try to model slow and relaxed speech when talking with your child, and encourage other family members to do the same. "
http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=7

"is some evidence that when parents talk more slowly, some children who stutter respond more fluently."
http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/medicaldepartments/otolaryngology/stutteringtherapy/index.html


--I also strongly recommend the well-known book "THE PULSE TEST"



Approx. 3,000+ articles; informal AND scholarly on each of the topics--and more-- OH, yeah, and the fact that I became fluent and have helped others become fluent--and, uhm, you have NOT.
--Yet all you do when I post suggestions is blame Dr. Martin Schwartz.. for the umpteenth time, I am NOT Dr. Schwartz nor am I affiliated w/ him--so BACK UP YOUR CLS before you DISSUADE people from acknowledging my advice--w/ more than a series of rants about Dr. Schwartz, warnings about Dr. Schwartz, and 10 year old Internet archived posts featuring Dr. Schwartz arguing about topics totally irrelevant to ME or my postings. Or-- continue, I have years -- I'm ready for more-- I will continue to HELP while you continue to try to dissuade and caution--or as you put it "give informed advice for adults to make clear decisions" HA !

[Adrian]

Adrian,
If I am a father driving my child around a resort region and asking someone for directions to the beautiful beach town of "Fluencia"---and someone tells me how to get there..and then a man named Adrian-- says "Pssst..buddy... you know, people have been killed there..there's a lot of controversy over that town.. it's rough.. no one likes it there..be careful.." -- I've done a little more than just state a helpful fact for someone to make an informed decision. I have intentionally dissuaded someone-- using their weakness/their love for their child--and their concern/need to protect against them.
What I stated was stated independently and indifferent of Dr. Martin Schwartz-- yet you, again, used HIM as your example to intentionally tell the man NOT to go to Fluencia! Moreover, even if Dr. Schwartz was the focus here-- NO PART of my suggestion is part of the "controversy" about the man. Nowhere did I mention the airway dialation reflex, laryngeal spasms, or a 93.4% success rate--or anything else your referenced "controversy" websites discuss. You did not say "Hey, guy, there are many programs out there.. Andrew's suggestion might work for some but not for others.. Hey, I have an idea--why don't you try out this one too ?" -- So stop pretending that was your approach-- Your approach was "HEY BUDDY ! WARNING ! WATCH OUT ! This is lifted from the website of a controversial scam artist, be careful."
Give me a break. Give the world a break..from your pessimistic negativity.
I'm not playing any more. I'll do this w/ you all night, all week, all month--since you're too chicken shit to pick up the phone and call me. Fine: Spend 100X as much time typing to me w/ your garble-gabble.
Bring it on, Adrian.

Jeez Andrew, you posted basically word for word from Schwartz's website and I simply pointed out to Matt where it was coming from and my opinion of the source. I at no point brought you or your motives up. What is your problem? You seem to want your critics to call you instead of publically airing their concerns. You told a previous critic "grow a pair of balls and call me yourself" and now apparently I am too "chicken shit" to call you. I will be more then happy to speak with you over the phone, but I will still air any concerns I have with this group.

[andrewg818]

Actually, you were the same one told to grow a pair of balls. : )
P.S. I didn't even GLANCE at Schwartz's site before posting that--but, apparently, you have some full encyclopedic knowledge of his text. Keep reading.

[Adrian]

My apologies to the group for taking part in this infantile discussion. Andrew and I seem to have a knack at getting under each other's skin. :)

[bignick]

Its a shame that Andrew G and Adrian have to hijack someone elses post asking for advice.

Would it not be better to discuss your differences offline.

In response to toms Dad, at the time, I only had the one boy and I thought I noticed he started to stutter on certain words. As I am in the UK, I phoned up the british stammering organisation helpdesk and spoke to a very friendly helpful gentleman who sent out some literature regarding stuttering in children. Hopefully there is something similar in Australia. Good luck in finding someone to help and let us know how you get on.

Nick..

[Adrian]

Its a shame that Andrew G and Adrian have to hijack someone elses post asking for advice.

Nick, I completely agree. As I said I apologize to the group, and to Matt also.

[bignick]

Matt,

I have been looking on the internet for some sort of stuttering association in Australia which might help you and the only one I can really find is

http://www.intute.ac.uk/cgi-bin/redir.pl?url=http://www3.fhs.usyd.edu.au/asrcwww/&handle=2003545

The Australian Stuttering Research Centre (ASRC), which was established in 1996, is located within the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney. Its website provides details of stuttering treatments for adults, teenagers and children, current research at the ASRC, a list of staff publications and details of postgraduate and continuing education courses. A selection of full-text documents are also available for downloading.

this might guide you in the right direction.

Hope this helps.

Nick.

[Standingtall]

First of all Matt, welcome and good to meet you. The first thing i would suggest to you, don't panic. Second, don't make it a issue with your son and he may out grow it. i have twin girls born with a cleft lip and palate, so their speech development has been somewhat slower in developing and now they have a stutter. We have been in contact with a speech pathologist and they don't seem to be worried. For me, i am trying my best to remain calm. I have one brother and one of his daughters started to have a stutter and my sister in law began to panic. I gave her what info i have, but in a couple of weeks, it was gone like overnight. One of my sister's boy had one, it came just as quick and left just as quickly.

So for now, let it be with him and for you, moniter his development and get as much information as you can, just in case he does not outgrow it. The best of luck and do let us know how it goes with him.