Stuttering, Stuttering Treatment, Stuttering Help, Stuttering Therapy, Stop Stuttering, Speech Disorders, Speech Therapy, Florida

As the primary responder to speech dysfluency disorders, we would like to draw your attention especially to young children. Even though they go through a normal phase of speech dysfluencies (stuttering), since time is of the essence it is critical to be aware as early as possible when these dysfluencies become a concern. The chart provided hereunder, is a general guide that can assist you to determine if a child is at risk.

For your convenience, "Before and After" videos of the Apex™ Speech Care System treatment results are available in two options. The full version provides a much more detailed test of that segment at different stress levels.

Attendee#1	BEFORE	AFTER
a) Short Version
b) Full Version
Attendee#2
a) Short version
b) Full version

PHYSICIAN'S CHECKLIST FOR REFERRAL
	The Child With NORMAL DISFLUENCIES	The Child With MILD STUTTERING	The Child With SEVERE STUTTERING
Age of Onset:	1.1/2 to 7 years of age	1.1/2 to 7 years of age	1.1/2 to 7 years of age
Speech behavior you may see or hear:	Occasional (not more than once in every 10 sentences), brief, (typical % second or shorter) repetitions of sounds, syllables or short words, e.g., Ii-li-like this.	Frequent (3% or more of speech), long (1/2 to 1 second) repetitions of sounds, syllables, or short words, e.g., Ii-li-li-like this. Occasional prolongations of sounds.	Very frequent (10% or more of speech), and often very long (1 second or longer) repetitions of sounds, syllables or short words. Frequent sound prolongations and blockages.
Other behavior you may see or hear:	Occasional pauses, hesitations in speech or fillers such as "uh," "er," or "um," changing of words or thoughts.	Repetitions and prolongations begin to be associated with eyelid closing and blinking,looking to the side, and some physical tension in and around the lips.	Similar to mild stutterers only more frequent and noticeable; some rise in pitch of voice during stuttering. Extra sounds or words used as "starters."
When problem most noticeable:	Tends to come and go when child is: tired, excited, talking about complex/new topics, asking or answering questions or talking to unresponsive listeners.	Tends to come and go in similar situations, but is more often present than absent.	Tends to be present in most speaking, situations; far more consistent and non-fluctuating.
Child reaction:	None apparent	Some show little concern some will be frustrated and embarrassed.,	Most are embarrassed and some are also fearful of speaking.
Parent reaction:	None to a great deal	Most concerned, concern may be minimal.	All have some degree of concern.
Referral decision:	Refer only if parents moderately to overly concerned.	Refer if continues for 6 to 8 weeks or if parental concern justifies it.	Refer as soon as possible.