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Coming out of lurking (stutter)
I forgot my info so I had to create a new screen name.
Here it goes. My 6 yr old has not been diagnosed with anything. He has always been super sensitive. At around 4 yrs old he began to stutter. About this time he had gone back to preschool after winter break and for drop out reasons, the school switched around kids and so DS went back to a class with a teacher that I was not comfortable with (she always seemed like she was angry and rushed everyone) and we dealt with our first bully. DS hated going to school after that. We tried to get him in a different program but nothing was available. This is when I felt like his stutter started or rather became a full blown stutter. Prior it was random. Maybe we heard him stutter once a day.
We were told to wait it out as it seemed to come and go with his anxiety levels. Dr. assured us nothing was wrong and to ignore it, but try to get to his level and repeat slowly back what he was saying.
Well at about 5, he began a weird thing with his stutter. Like in order to get out his words, his voice became high pitched like as if he was losing his breath to get the last word out. Still our ped said to leave it alone. His kindergarten teachers have not even brought it up. They have said nothing but good things. Yeah he took a bit longer to get things done but now at his 102 days of school he is getting it. Reading is kind of hard for him, it is like one minute he gets it, and the next he struggles.
I have requested an eval (2 weeks ago) and have not heard anything other than "we will schedule it". I have called his pedi and they have referred me to an eval, but DH really wants to see what the school says.
I am just sitting here in tears. My perfect little boy has trouble even talking now. It is like his timing with his breathing and speech are off. He can sing and yell at his sister with no problem.
I don't know why I posted, I am just so frustrated. I know he is. I feel like when I talk to him all I can think of is to "JUST BREATH DANG IT". I feel like I am failing him. There are a few kids in his class with speech issues so I know he isn't alone, but sometimes I just feel crushed when we are out in public and because of his size (he is the size of an 8 yr old) and the stutter some kids ask "what is wrong with him?".
So here I sit, waiting for the schools eval. I am calling on Monday and if they can't give me a date when they will address this, I will be setting up the appointment through our pedi. I feel like by waiting this long I may have made this all worse.
anyone dealing with a stutter that can relate?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Coming out of lurking (stutter)
I don't have any experience with stuttering, but I totally know how you feel right now in your stress regarding the situation.
Auntie is right, don't dwell on the past but instead, get a plan in place. It helps me SO much (mentally) to have a plan working and know that we are trying to move forward.
GL!!
I'm an SLP chiming in here... I truly hope you don't mind. Please get him evaluated as soon as possible by an SLP. The school will have to do an eval. if you request it in writing, but like Auntie said it will take awhile. Please find an SLP through your insurance too. A child that has been stuttering for over 6 months most likely won't "grow" out of it. And things you are mentioning like the high pitch and breath holding are secondary characteristics. Once those become involved he will also almost definitely need therapy from an SLP to remediate it.
Don't be upset about the last couple years... you have to trust in someone and it was your pedi... though I think he was wrong.
Also www.stutteringfoundation.org has great information for parents that can help the way you talk about or discuss the stuttering at home.
Thank you ladies for reading and responding.
I have a full evaluation set up for him in 2 1/2 weeks at a private office. I can't wait anymore.
I just kind of felt like he went through stages where there was no stutter. So I was thinking "yeah, sure it is going away". Then bam, it came back. DH asked his teacher today to write down anything she is concerned about as far as him in the classroom and she agreed to do it.
Yesterday and today I talked to him about taping his leg lightly to get his words out. I told him it would be like when his teacher claps in class to help them in the timing with the singing and when he remembered he really spoke clearly.
Again, thank you.