Childhood Stuttering: Behavioral, Emotional and Speech-Language Aspects

The purpose of this presentation is to provide current information about behavioral, emotional and speech-language aspects of childhood stuttering and their clinical implications. Starting from the notion that stuttering relates to a complex interaction between the individual's environment and the skills and abilities the child brings to the environment, the presenter will discuss current understanding of how behavioral, emotional and speech-language variables causally contribute to childhood stuttering. Basic diagnostic procedures as well as treatment procedures to address these variables will be discussed as well as ways to document/chart each client's relative success or failure in therapy. Participants should receive, from their participation, state-of-the-art understanding of behavioral, emotional and speech-language contributions to childhood stuttering and how these contributions influence the assessment and treatment of children who stutter and their families.