Help for Parents of Kids Who Stutter Sent to 53,727 Physicians

“This is one of the most helpful pieces that I have been sent in my 27 years of private practice,” wrote a pediatrician from Washington state.

Pediatricians from across the country are praising the book, The Child Who Stutters: To the Pediatrician, and new video, 7 Tips for Talking with the Child Who Stutters, from the Stuttering Foundation. 
 
“I just received the pediatrician’s guide for stuttering and had a chance to review it. What wonderful and helpful information you and your group provided,” the pediatrician added.
 
“When parents are concerned about their child’s stuttering, I  refer them to a speech-language pathologist right away,” said Katie Fine, M.D. “Parents are often so frightened and puzzled when stuttering appears suddenly, and they need the reassurance and guidance that a therapist can give. In my experience, early intervention can truly help prevent the problem from progressing.”  
 
Another physician from Maryland wrote: “I’m so pleased to be able to offer better support and guidance to concerned parents. I’m impressed with the scope of your outreach program and applaud the Foundation for doing such excellent work!”
 
The Stuttering Foundation sent a copy of the new video and accompanying book, The Child Who Stutters: To the Pediatrician, to 53,727 pediatricians.
 
The book and DVD were also distributed at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) conference in Orlando, Fla., where physicians from around the world visited the exhibit booth.  
 
“One doctor commented that she had been working with a mother who had been in denial for several years regarding the benefits of seeking professional help for her 9-year-old son. This changed after the doctor forwarded her the 7 Tips DVD,” said June Campbell, who ran the booth for the Stuttering Foundation. “Several other physicians commented on how the Stuttering Foundation literature supported them in how to best handle periods of  disfluency or stuttering problems with their own children as well as their patients.”
 
A pediatric resident commented that doctors don’t receive enough education in medical school on stuttering. 
 
“An AAP-employed physician even asked how the AAP can more effectively support the Foundation’s work,” Campbell said.
 
“We have made the leading voices on preschool stuttering available for free to parents to answer their tough questions about stuttering, offer practical strategies, and build confidence,” said Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation. “It is our hope that parents who seek advice about stuttering from their trusted pediatrician will find the help they need.”
 
From the Winter 2014 Newsletter