This document discusses communication disorders with a focus on stuttering. It outlines possible causes of stuttering including genetics, auditory processing deficits, differences in linguistic processing, and physical trauma. Warning signs of stuttering are described as repetitions, substitutions, and avoidances of words. The document notes that stuttering can affect students by causing fear of speaking, embarrassment, and feelings of victimization. It recommends that teachers be patient with students who stutter and prevent them from becoming the sole focus of attention when speaking in class.

1. Communication Disorders http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5hXlc_qBpA&feature=related

3. Communication Disorders Speech Disorders Articulation Disorders Voice Disorders Fluency Disorders Stuttering Cluttering Mixed Disorders Language Disorders

4. Stuttering http://education381.glogster.com/Stuttering/

5. Possible Causes Genetics Auditory Processing Deficits Differences in Linguistic Processing Physical Trauma Ex: When Liz fell down the stairs… Highly stressful situations

6. Warning Signs Simple whole-word and sound repetitions Ex: He– He– He– He said that already Ex: Buh– Buh– Baby Bill is sad Substitutions of feared words for non-feared words Ex: (video) Sprite v. Coke Avoidances of speaking situation Eyes closing, jaw tremors and other bodily contortions

8. Affects on Students Fear of speaking Embarrassment Feelings of victimization Are more likely to have reading, language, and writing difficulties

9. Treatments Speech Therapy Practice! Practice! Practice! Speaking in time with a metronome Group therapy Anti-stuttering medication But… not very effective and has lots of bad side effects

10. A Teacher’s Role Remember! Students who stutter are people with feelings. Be patient with them. Be aware of how classmates are treating them, students who stutter are more likely to be bullied  Re-reading passages can reduce stuttering, (adaptation) so give students a chance to read through on their own first, before asking them to read aloud. Learn information to songs, or in group repetition Don’t allow the focus to be just them. If they need to speak in class, have students focusing on other things at the same time.

11. References Davis, S., Howell, P., & Cooke, F. (2002, October). Sociodynamic relationships between children who stutter and their non–stuttering classmates. Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry & Allied Disciplines , 43 (7), 939-947. Retrieved October 10, 2008, from Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection database. Werts, G., Margaret, (2007). Fundamentals of Special Education: What Every Teacher Needs to Know , 3 rd Edition http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuttering#Causes_of_developmental_stuttering