Speech Fluency/ Stuttering

When should I choose this Area of Focus for my Gabadoo?

Speech fluency refers to the smoothness, rhythm, and natural flow of speech. It involves the ability to produce speech effortlessly and without interruptions, such as hesitations, repetitions, or prolongations of sounds or syllables. While it is normal for individuals to experience occasional disruptions in their speech, some children and teens may face challenges with fluency that require additional support.

A parent may seek support for their child in this area for a number of reasons including:

Stuttering: Stuttering is a common fluency disorder that affects the flow of speech. Children who stutter may experience repetitions of sounds, syllables, or words, prolonged sounds, or blocks where no sound is produced. Stuttering can impact a child's confidence, social interactions, and overall communication effectiveness.

Language development: Some children may struggle with speech fluency as a result of language delays or disorders. Difficulties in organising thoughts, finding the right words, or formulating coherent sentences can lead to disruptions in speech flow.

Emotional factors, such as anxiety, stress, or self-consciousness, can influence a child's speech fluency.

Motor coordination: Coordinating the articulatory movements necessary for speech production can be challenging for some children. Difficulties with motor coordination can result in disruptions in speech fluency.

It's important to note that each child is unique, and the reasons for speech fluency difficulties can vary. Support from an SLT can enhance a child's speech fluency and overall communication skills.

It's important to rule out any hearing issues prior to completing a Gabadoo if you have any concerns in relation to this.

Our Gabadoo Team are experienced at working with children and families to support the development of their communication skills. Get individualised strategies and support today through our platform here.

Important to Note:

There is a separate 'Area of Focus' for expressive language which you can learn more about here. If this is more appropriate for your child, you should select expressive language when completing your Gabadoo. .

What information do I need to include in my Gabadoo?

As our Gabadoo Team have never met your family before and know nothing about your child, they can only provide strategies based on the information you provide so be very detailed!

After you have filled in the relevant information in your Gabadoo, go through this checklist to make sure you have included the following:

Family & Home Life:

Description of your family & the structure of your family including siblings, pets or any extended family who are living in your home. Also include if there is any family history of speech or language difficulties, including stuttering or other fluency disorders.

Your daily routine including school hours, child-care, free-time in evenings and weekends.

Strengths and Interests:

What does your child like to do?

What games, toys, T.V. programs, characters do they like?

What type of activities do they enjoy?

What school subjects do they enjoy?

What daily activities do they enjoy doing with a parent or family member? e.g. cooking, baking, jobs, walking the dog.

Do they respond to praise from adults?

Do they enjoy playing with other children?

Additional Information:

What class is your child in at school?

What type of schooling do they receive? i.e. homeschooling, mainstream N.S., gaelscoil, preschool, ASD class, Special School.

Have you seen any professionals in the past in relation to their communication or language? Or has your child ever had a medical review in relation to their hearing? If so, what was the outcome?

How does your child currently communicate? E.g. speech, Lamh, PECS, AAC, gesturing etc.

Make sure to include:

The frequency and types of speech disruptions you notice at home.This may include repetitions of sounds, syllables, or words, prolonged sounds, or blocks where no sound is produced.

Observe and report any particular situations or triggers that seem to affect your child's speech fluency. For example, whether the disruptions are more prevalent when the child is excited, stressed, tired, or when speaking in specific environments (e.g., at school, with peers).

Include whether your child tries to correct or modify their speech when they encounter a disruption. It is useful to note if your child appears aware of the fluency difficulties and actively attempts to improve their speech.

You can provide insights into the emotional and behavioral reactions your child exhibits during or after moments of speech disruptions. This includes observing signs of frustration, anxiety, embarrassment, avoidance behaviors, or changes in social interactions.

You should describe the timeline of when they first noticed the speech fluency challenges, whether the difficulties have remained consistent or worsened over time, and if any other associated speech or language difficulties have emerged.

Very Important: What would you you like to gain from this Gabadoo? What are some of your goals? E.g. I would like to get strategies to support my child's ability to..

Next include videos of your child:

A variety of video-clips where your child is speaking and communicating. You may need to collect these over time but they are invaluable for the therapist to review your child's communication.

Remember: The more information you give our team, the more individualised and relevant your plan will be. Videos are vital when reviewing a child's communication.

What support will I receive for my child?

Your information will be reviewed by one of our Gabadoo Experts who is experienced in the area of speech and languge. They will detail individualised strategies, activities, next steps and helpful organisations and products that you can use at home to support your child.