Due to its nature communication disorders such as stuttering and speech disabilities are initially difficult to identify especially in children ( 3 to 9 years old) unless they are evaluated by a specialized Speech Language Pathologist trained in the treatment of stuttering and speech disorders, not all of them are. In fact only a limited few have that specialization. The consequences to the treated individual can be serious and in some cases irreversible.

WHY: Young children cannot express their communication difficulties like adults, combined with the fact that parents are most of the time unaware or in denial . Since most children outgrow their speech dysfluencies usually physicians tend to dismiss or delay treatment and/or when making a referral to a Speech Language Pathologist they do not ascertain if that professional has the required expertise and up to date equipment to diagnose let aside treat stuttering.

RISKS: When individuals are treated by non-specialized therapists, lacking the required experience, training, and equipment , the results of the therapy are dismal at best and damaging. In such cases the applied method is usually inadequate, antiquated, and diluted . In most cases the treated individual develop a latent distrust and resistance to any further treatment, especially children , and cease to cooperate, resulting in stuttering for life.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: When you visit a Speech Language Pathologist ask for the following:
• The therapist‘s specialization and experience in that particular field of treatment
• The complete detail of the type of treatment and application method
• The clinical equipment that will be used for assessment and treatment. Ask if it’s the latest technology, ask to see previous results, clinical trials, scientific peer review, about the maintenance program post treatment. Without a maintenance program the treatment is useless. Challenge all and everything until you are satisfied. The referring physician will not ask these questions for you.