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Disruptions in the normal forward flow of speech characterize stuttering or stammering. This post will go into greater detail about this speech disorder and offer advice on how to handle it.

Stuttering affects a significant number of people all over the world. Moreover, stuttering can affect people of any age. People typically begin stuttering at a young age. Basically, it’s something that develops in young people. As time passes, stuttering worsens if not addressed. It’s also possible that a mild case of stuttering has become more severe over time. For this reason, prompt treatment is of the utmost importance.

How common is stuttering, and is it treatable?

There is currently no known medical treatment for stuttering. Research says stuttering can be managed with speech therapy techniques. However, there are times when stuttering cannot be completely eliminated. Currently, a wide variety of treatment options are available. From language-learning gadgets to mobile apps to alternative medicine, the list goes on and on. However, electronic fluency devices have been shown to alleviate stuttering symptoms temporarily. Currently, there is no way to permanently fix the problem. Speech therapy is the only treatment that has been shown to work, so it is the only choice.

Speech-language pathologists, who are experts in their field, can help with stuttering. Moreover, they assist people of all ages who are dealing with communication disorders.

What does stuttering therapy entail?

Speech-language pathologists assist in managing stuttering. The general emphasis is on things like;

• Speaking clearly and concisely
• easy pronunciation of words and phrases
• Changing the rate of speech
• Making speech sound more natural
• enhancing the individual’s quality of life

The objectives will center on the aforementioned aspects. Furthermore, the treatment focus differs slightly between children and adults.

Is it better to try to stop stuttering or just accept it?

Having a stutter is not something to be embarrassed or insecure about. That is to say, we all have linguistic quirks that make us sound a little odd at times. Stuttering is accepted by many. The first step toward a better life is accepting yourself as you are. Accept your stammer and use it to your advantage! Accepting stuttering is a positive step, but it’s not without its challenges. Start speech therapy today to control your stuttering. Making the adjustment, however, requires work and time. You can have a better quality of life by getting help for your stuttering. If you want to know why it’s important to treat stuttering, read on.

The next step is deciding whether you want to accept your stuttering or get help for it.

Reasons why Stuttering Therapy is Necessary

Speech therapy for stuttering has some advantages. Some of them are listed below:

Higher living standards

Speech therapy for stuttering can do wonders for improving fluency. Considerations like how content you are with your life are crucial to your quality of life. Stuttering can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Learn how to control your stuttering and enrich your life immediately!

More self-confidence

Speech therapy for people who stutter is meant to help them communicate better in general. A lot of people get their self-assurance from the way they carry themselves verbally, behaviorally, and physically. Taking control of your stuttering can help you feel more confident by making your speech sound more natural.

Easy to Live and Speak

People who stutter face challenges on a daily basis. Is your speech preventing you from getting a promotion? This is something that speech therapy can definitely help with. Prepare to see your career flourish and your child stands up to bullies and live a more confident life!

Improved Mental Health

Anxiety, depression, and shifts in personality are common among those who stutter. When a speech therapy program and a structured counseling session are used together, they can help people have better mental health. This is the time to intervene if you suspect your child is too nervous or shy to speak up in class. A good speech therapy program will always lead to better mental health as a side effect.

When should you consult an expert?

Children who stutter in preschool are closely followed to see if they improve on their own. Thus, this kind of recovery occurs naturally only in preschoolers. 

In children, treatment typically begins before age 5. Therefore, getting your child some expert assistance will help them flourish.

A speech therapist, then, can work wonders! Therefore, speech-language pathologists play a significant role in the treatment of stuttering. Nothing magical happens. So, there is literally no other treatment option. A stutter cannot be cured by medication. 

Have a look at what a speech-language pathologist does:

• You’ll feel much more relaxed after consulting a specialist.
• Improves your ability to express yourself clearly and effectively.  
• They can also make a person more confident in public speaking. 
• Helps with other problems as well. 

Now think about a person who still stuttered after therapy. He or she has to start from scratch, right? Is this something that happens? Yes, it does occur! This is “Relapse.” Essentially, when a patient “relapses,” they go backwards while undergoing treatment. Moreover, he or she simply stops showing up for therapy sessions.

Why does stuttering relapse occur?

• An absence of practice 
• Lack of monitoring
• Absence of interest and motivation
• Getting false fluency

How can you achieve better results? 

• Adhere to the home plan. 
• Spend time with your child to review speech techniques
• Participate in support groups and therapy classes
• Listen to your child carefully
• Keep your expectations at a reasonable level
• Encourage fluent speech at all times
• Do not criticize your child’s language development
• Schedule monthly check-ins with your therapist

Feel free to call Total Speech Therapy in Baltimore at 410-696-3301 or write to yasminah@totalspeechtherapy.com if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with a Speech Language Pathologist.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions about ASD that can lead to misunderstandings and stigma. In this blog post, we will break down some of the most common myths and misconceptions about ASD and provide accurate information to promote understanding and acceptance.

Myth #1: 

People with autism spectrum disorders lack empathy

A common myth about ASD is that individuals with the condition do not have empathy. This is simply not true. While people with ASD may have difficulty with social interaction and understanding the emotions of others, this does not mean they lack empathy. Many individuals with ASD are highly empathetic and caring, and they may have a unique perspective on the world that allows them to connect with others in meaningful ways.

Myth #2: 

Autism spectrum disorder is the result of poor parenting

This is another common myth about ASD, and it is completely unfounded. There is no evidence to suggest that parenting styles or practices cause ASD. Instead, research has shown that ASD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that likely has a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Myth #3: 

People with autism spectrum disorders cannot communicate

Individuals with ASD may find social communication and interaction difficult, but they can still communicate despite these challenges. Many people with ASD have excellent verbal and nonverbal communication skills, as well as abilities in reading, writing, and memorization. It is critical to remember that communication difficulties are only one aspect of ASD and that people with the condition are individuals with their own strengths and challenges.

Myth #4: 

Autism spectrum disorder is a rare condition

While ASD was once thought to be a rare condition, it is now estimated to affect 1 in every 54 children in the United States. This means that ASD affects millions of people, and it is critical to recognize that it is not a rare condition.

Myth #5: 

People with autism spectrum disorder are intellectually disabled

While some individuals with ASD may also have an intellectual disability, this is not true for all individuals with the condition. In fact, many people with ASD have average or above-average intelligence and may excel in areas such as math, science, or music. It is important to remember that intelligence is not necessarily related to ASD and that each individual with the condition is unique.

Myth #6: 

Autism Spectrum Disorder can be cured

While there is no known cure for ASD, early intervention and treatment can help individuals with the condition improve their quality of life by developing important skills and abilities. Treatment options may include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, behavior therapy, and medication. It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating ASD and that each individual with the condition may have unique needs and challenges.

Myth #7: 

People with autism spectrum disorder are all the same

While people with ASD share some characteristics, such as difficulty with social interaction and communication, each individual is unique. Some people with ASD may have a special interest or talent, whereas others may experience sensory sensitivities or anxiety. It is critical to recognize and value the uniqueness of each person with ASD.

Myth #8: 

Autism spectrum disorder is a childhood condition

While ASD is usually diagnosed in childhood, it is a lifelong condition that affects people their entire lives. Many adults with ASD may have difficulties with employment, relationships, and social interaction, and they may benefit from ongoing support and services.

Myth #9: 

People with autism spectrum disorder do not want friends

While individuals with ASD may have difficulty with social interaction and making friends, this does not mean they do not want or value relationships. Many individuals with ASD have a strong desire for social connection.

Myth #10: 

Autism is a life sentence

Autism is a lifelong condition, but that doesn’t mean that people with autism can’t live happy, fulfilling lives. With the right support, interventions, and autism therapy, many people with autism are able to achieve their goals and lead productive, meaningful lives.

Every person with autism is different and has their own set of strengths and challenges. It is indeed imperative to remember that autism is complicated, with various effects on each individual. While a few autistic persons might need constant care and help, others could be able to live independently and accomplish their goals without a lot of outside help.

While a few autistic persons might need constant care and help, others could be able to live independently and accomplish their goals without a lot of outside help.

We can make the world more inclusive and helpful for everyone, regardless of neurological abnormalities, by dispelling these beliefs and fostering a broader awareness of and acceptance of autism.

Total Speech Therapy, a leading provider of comprehensive speech therapy services, has recently opened its Houston office to a improved location. The new office is situated at 3845 FM 1960 W, Ste. 181, Houston, Texas 77068, United States, and offers a more spacious and convenient facility for clients seeking language and speech therapy services in the Houston area.

The new location offers a larger space for more therapy rooms, ensuring that more clients can be accommodated. Additionally, the office is conveniently situated near major highways, making it easy for clients to access.

Total Speech Therapy is a team of certified speech-language pathologists dedicated to helping children and adults overcome speech and language difficulties. They provide a wide range of services, including speech and language therapy, articulation therapy, and many more. They also specialize in working with individuals who have developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder. The experienced team of speech-language pathologists at Total Speech Therapy is dedicated to developing personalized treatment plans to help clients overcome speech and language barriers.

The team remain committed to providing high-quality speech therapy services to their clients. They strive to help individuals of all ages achieve their full potential in their personal and professional lives. The team works closely with clients to create a warm and welcoming environment where they can receive individualized treatment plans to cater to their specific needs.

In addition to speech therapy services, Total Speech Therapy offers workshops, training sessions, and online resources such as blogs and videos to support clients in achieving their communication goals.

The team at Total Speech Therapy is passionate about helping its clients achieve success in all areas of their lives. They take a collaborative approach to therapy, working with families and healthcare professionals to provide the best care possible for the clients. The team dedication to excellent speech therapy services has earned them a reputation as a trusted provider in Houston.

Total Speech Therapy is committed to continuing its legacy of excellence in speech therapy services. They believe that effective communication is essential for personal and professional success, and they are committed to providing every individual with the opportunity to achieve it. Its additional new location is a reflection of commitment to expand reach and to provide quality speech therapy services in the Houston area. You can either drop an email at yasminah@totalspeechtherapy.com or even call us at 410-696-3301 for personalized suggestions.

It’s a speech-sound disorder called apraxia of speech (AOS) often caused by a brain injury or stroke. Additionally, the individual has trouble producing the necessary oral movements to make the sound. Thus, AOS can occur even in the absence of muscle weakness. The person has normal muscle tone, strength, and mobility, but they can’t make any speech sounds.

In a typical case of AOS, the individual is visibly struggling to make the sound. Furthermore, he/she appears to be searching for where to position the speech muscles, such as the lips and tongue. Consequently, searching and groping are very prevalent in AOS. AOS can exist independently or in conjunction with oral apraxia.

Diagnostic Methodology

First of all, a speech-language pathologist will review the symptoms, medical history, speech muscles, speech sounds, words, and phrases to assess their condition.

The speech-language pathologist will evaluate the vocabulary, sentence structure, and speech comprehension skills.

CAS is diagnosed using multiple tests and observations. It really depends on the nature of the issues that have been observed. Your child’s age, level of cooperation, and the severity of the speech problem will all determine which tests will be administered during the evaluation.

When a patient has limited communication skills or is unable to engage with the speech-language pathologist, a diagnosis of CAS can be challenging.

Knowing whether or not an individual has CAS is important because it requires a different approach to treatment than other speech disorders. Even if the diagnosis is initially hazy, a speech-language pathologist may be able to advise you on the best course of treatment.

Examples of possible diagnostic procedures are: 

Hearing tests: If someone is having difficulty communicating, your doctor may recommend hearing tests to rule out hearing loss as a possible cause.

Evaluation of oral-motor skills: A speech therapist will check for tongue-tie, cleft palate, and other structural and functional issues with the lips, tongue, jaw, and palate. In most cases, CAS is not linked to low muscle tone, but it can be a symptom of other issues.

The speech-language pathologist will watch how the patient moves their mouth when they blow, smile, or kiss.

Speech assessment: The ability to form sounds, words, and sentences will be evaluated while the patient is engaged in play or other activities.

The patient may be asked to name pictures to identify any sounds, words, or syllables that he or she has trouble pronouncing.

The speech-language pathologist working with the patient may use speech tasks to assess his motor speech skills, such as coordination and fluency. Repetition of syllables like “pa-ta-ka” or the articulation of words like “buttercup” may be requested to gauge your child’s motor speech coordination.

If the patient is capable of forming sentences, a speech-language pathologist will listen to and record his speech to evaluate the melody and rhythm of his speech, including how he places emphasis on individual syllables and words.

A speech therapist may use cues like saying the word or sound more slowly or touching his face to help him produce more accurate responses.

Treatment for AOS often includes speech and language therapy. The following discussion provides some helpful tips that should be considered during AOS treatment.

Tips for Dealing with Speech Apraxia

1. Participatory Session:

Make the session fun and engaging.

For the /b/ sound, for instance, the child could be given the following guidance:

• Join your lips
• Take a deep breath and hold it behind your lips.
• Let your breath out immediately.
• The sound can also be used in a practical manner. Pick words with short CVC and CV sequences to memorize. Examples include “bee,” “bow,” “boo,” etc.

2. Incorporate a multi-sensory strategy: 

When dealing with AOS, it is best to employ a multi-sensory approach. To teach sound, you should use all of your senses, not just hearing and seeing. Let’s say we’re working on teaching the /b/ sound to the kid. Here are some of the things we can accomplish by utilizing multiple senses:

• Put your lips together as a visual cue.
• Pronounce the letter “b” three times. Audio cue: Say “ba” three times in a row.
• The “b” sound can be felt as air is expelled from the mouth, so placing a hand in front of the mouth can serve as a tactile cue. 

3. More frequent sessions of intensive therapy: 

First, consistent speech therapy sessions will be beneficial. Second, it’s best to schedule between three and five therapy sessions per week. A parent-focused program, however, is recommended. One way that these exercises are continued at home is through a program designed specifically for parents.

Moreover, due to a wide range of differences among people who have AOS, individualized treatment plans are likely to yield the best results. It’s best to begin with one-on-one sessions.

4. Exercises to improve intonation and prosody:

People with AOS not only have problems with the sounds they make when talking, but they also have unusual rhythms and intonations in their speech. These people, in other words, stress and pause incorrectly and speak at an abnormal pitch. Stress, intonation, pitch, and rhythm are all aspects of prosody that can be used in therapy sessions. Afterward, kids can finish up by singing songs, rhymes, humming, chanting, etc.

When speaking to an adult, it is important to use the correct prosodic features along with the intended sound. Each individual word, phrase, and sentence is examined.

5. Allowing ample practice to promote skill generalization:

Therapeutically, it’s crucial to allow time for the patient to practice the new skill in real-world contexts. This is a broad generalization. Allowing some time for the process of generalization aids in the application of lessons learned in one context to another. Having more opportunities to put what you’ve learned into practice boosts your likelihood of retaining that knowledge. Do it with the help of the therapist at first, and then try to reduce your need for their assistance over time.

6. Giving session feedback—knowledge of results versus performance:

The importance of feedback in the acquisition of new abilities cannot be overstated. Knowing a client’s preferred method of instruction allows therapists to tailor their feedback accordingly.

In some cases, informing clients of the outcomes could be beneficial. It entails commenting on the correctness or incorrectness of the statement. If the therapist and client are working on the word “ball,” and the client says “all,” the therapist would correct the client by saying, “No, that is wrong.” Could you say ball?

There would be less restrictions placed on one’s knowledge of performance. The counselor would simply paraphrase the patient’s words and offer suggestions for improvement. If the therapist is working with the client on the word “ball,” and the client says “all,” the therapist might respond, “I heard it as all.” Please repeat that, but this time includes the letter “b” at the beginning.

If a brain injury or stroke has resulted in apraxia and a person is not able to say what they want to say even though there is no physical barrier, speech therapy can go a long way in correcting the problem. For the best speech therapy sessions in Baltimore, and Houston you can always contact Total Speech Therapy for help at 410-696-3301 or by sending an email to yasminah@totalspeechtherapy.com. We have specialized speech-language therapists who can help your loved ones regain their speech.

The majority of speech and language disorders are detected early on. This is typically observed during the early stages of language development when the child first begins to experiment with sound production. But stuttering typically starts between the ages of two and three, when children begin stringing words into sentences.

What is stuttering?

Repetition of words or phrases is often the earliest indicator of stuttering. You may also notice repetitive and prolonged sounds, speech blockages, and difficulty speaking. There are a wide variety of hypotheses have been proposed to explain the phenomenon of stuttering in children. However, none of these things are completely known. Today, brain scans can be performed with relative ease, helping us learn more about the neural mechanisms at play during stuttering. These scans prove that stuttering results from a glitch in the brain’s handling of speech signals.

There is strong evidence that genetics play a role in stuttering, as approximately 60% of people who stutter also have a family history of stuttering. However, the exact mechanisms by which stuttering is passed down from generation to generation remain unclear. In a recent study, researchers tracked the development of a large sample of infants and toddlers. Results showed that 11% of children’s stuttering had started by age 4. Most children who stutter in preschool outgrow it by the time they’re teenagers, but it’s difficult to predict which kids will make a full recovery.

As a developmental disability, stuttering can prevent a child from reaching his or her full academic and professional potential, making early intervention crucial.

The earlier a stuttering problem is treated, the better the outcome. This is because it is much more challenging to treat children who are older than 6 years old. If not addressed until adolescence, the problem can persist throughout life. As soon as parents become aware of their child’s stuttering, they should consult a speech therapist for assistance.

The advantages of early intervention for stuttering 

Those who stutter have the best chance of success if they begin treatment as soon as they are diagnosed. The research shows that the chances of a child recovering from stuttering with the help of speech therapy are increased by nearly eight times if treatment begins early.

If your child is stuttering, speech therapy should be started immediately. Your child can overcome his or her stuttering and learn to speak fluently and confidently with the help of stuttering therapy.

The goals of treating stuttering with speech therapy are as follows:

• Reduce the frequency of stuttering
• Reduce the stress associated with public speaking
• Reduce word omissions
• Enhance your communication abilities

Total Speech Therapy has a team of speech pathologists who collaborate with you and your child to meet their needs.

How Do You Know When You Need a Speech Evaluation?

It is common for children to stutter and have less than perfect fluency as they develop their speaking skills. Parents may worry that their child is stuttering because of the frequency with which they repeat words or phrases.

If parents notice their child stutters for more than six months, if the stuttering begins after the age of three, or if stuttering runs in the family, they should take their child to a specialist.

If your child starts to feel uncomfortable when they have to communicate, it’s best to schedule an appointment with us. Some parents may recognize avoidance reactions in their children, such as head nodding, excessive use of filler words such as “um,” abandoning a thought in the middle of a sentence, or changing the words they are saying.

Children who stutter typically experience social anxiety as a result of the condition, which can be extremely embarrassing for them in various settings. It is possible for people who stutter to develop social anxiety, in which they become terrified of speaking in front of other people, which can lead to chronic stuttering. People who stutter can develop severe anxiety if they aren’t given the proper treatment. It’s embarrassing for them to interact with others, whether it’s in a group or one-on-one. This can be a very difficult process, but learning strategies to improve one’s speech can help one overcome their embarrassment.

Our expertise and unique approach to treating speech, language, swallowing, and stuttering make us one of the best speech centers in both Baltimore and Houston. You won’t have to leave your house because we’ll come to you instead. We guarantee the highest quality of care and the most positive outcomes wherever you are, whether that’s at home, in a hospital, a school, or a daycare. At Total Speech Therapy, we also provide high-quality outpatient speech therapy services on an individual basis. Book a private consultation by calling 410-696-3301 or writing to yasminah@totalspeechtherapy.com.