Later this week we have an
appointment for our son to have a speech evaluation. It isn't
anything really serious, mild stuttering, but it is bringing up all
kinds of emotions and anxieties. We had noticed it, but were
wondering if his teachers also noticed. When I brought it up
to them, they immediately responded with examples of what they had
observed. They had planned to have a conference with us, and
were relieved when I brought it up first. So, it is real; others
are noticing it.
I want to be prepared and provide information that will be
really helpful for the evaluator to use and help us know how to
support Ben.
I
am working on the
4 plus 1 to capture what we know right now to help
identify all that we have tried/done (whether or not it was
intentional) to address his stuttering which is usually getting
stuck on the first letter of the first word in a question he is
asking. We are not sure of our approach in supporting Ben and
need some guideance and ideas from a professional.
I
found completing the tool to be helpful in getting my thoughts
organized and coherent to be ready to share with the evaluator. I
may or may not put the whole tool in front of the speech therapist,
but at least I will be able to describe what we have learned and
our concerns. If nothing else it gives me peace of mind that I have
something to do that is productive while we are waiting for his
appointment. I have a sense of being proactive and more confident
about getting Ben the support he needs.
|
What have we tried
|
What have we learned
|
What we are pleased about
|
What we are concerned about
|
|
When he gets stuck on a letter sound, ask him to take a breath
and relax
|
He tries to take a breath. Sometimes this works to help
him move on to the word instead of staying on the first letter
sound.
|
We have heard him take a breath before we remind him or ask
him.
|
Don't know if this is the right thing to be doing to help
him
|
|
When Ben gets stuck on a letter sound, stop and wait for him, we
take a breath ouselves
|
This helps my anxiety around him getting stuck on the letter and
STOPS me from saying the word for him.
Sometimes, we think his brain is moving really fast and his
mouth can't quite catch up.
Most often the stuttering happens on the first letter of the
first word when he is asking a question:
"why, what, when" or "But why…" "Are we…"
Often happens when he is talking about or asking questions about
dinosaurs OR other topics he is into at the moment - usually
science.
OR
activities we are planning ("are we going to…")
|
We are trying not to push or rush him
|
Not sure what else to do
|
|
Ben does't seem to be bothered by the stuttering or getting
stuck on a sound - we want to keep it that way!!
|
A few months ago one of his classmates said he talked funny. Ben
was upset by this. I spoke to the teachers to make sure they
were aware and observant of his interations with the other
student.
We are concerned if we don't address this now and find supports,
it could become a bigger deal for him in the future.
|
