Pediatric Speech Therapy for
Fluency Disorders
in West Bloomfield, MI
Is your child having trouble speaking clearly, repeating sounds or words, or getting “stuck” when they talk? This could be a sign that your child is experiencing a fluency disorder, like stuttering or cluttering (where speech is too fast, irregular, or disorganized). Fluency disorders can make it challenging for children to communicate effectively with others at home or school, impacting their confidence and how they connect with the world around them.
At Gigi’s Kids, we understand the complexities of communication, especially when it comes to fluency disorders like stuttering and cluttering. Our highly experienced team of pediatric speech-language pathologists (SLPs) uses playful, personalized, evidence-based strategies to help children unlock clear, confident speech to encourage their growth and certainty.
What Is a Fluency Disorder?
It’s natural for young children to make some speech errors as they’re learning to talk. However, if these errors persist or significantly impact how well others understand them, it could indicate a fluency disorder. A fluency disorder affects the natural flow and rhythm of speech, creating disruptions in the smoothness, rate, and rhythm of speech.
At Gigi’s Kids, we understand these challenges. We work closely with children and their families in a joyful, supportive environment to address these speech challenges and help kids become confident communicators.
Common Signs of Fluency Disorder in Children
Whether it’s stuttering or cluttering, there are some recognizable signs to look out for if you suspect your child has a fluency disorder.
Stuttering in Children
Stuttering is perhaps the most widely recognized fluency disorder. It typically involves these common speech disruptions:
- Repetitions: Repeating sounds, syllables, or whole words (e.g., “b-b-ball,” “ca-ca-car,” “I-I-I want”).
- Prolongations: Stretching out a sound (e.g., “Sssssss-nake,” “Mmmmmm-ommy”).
- Blocks: A complete stop or silence when trying to produce a word, as if the word is “stuck.”
- Interjections: Using filler words like “um,” “uh,” or “like” more frequently than in typical speech.
Cluttering in Children
Cluttering, though less commonly known than stuttering, is another significant fluency disorder. It’s characterized by speech that is often too fast, irregular, or disorganized, making it difficult for others to understand, including these common traits:
- Rapid or Jerky Speech Rate: The child talks so quickly that their words run together, or their rhythm sounds uneven.
- Collapsing or Omitting Syllables: Words might be shortened or blended (e.g., “commcation” for “communication,” “Iwango” for “I want to go”).
- Unusual Pauses: Pauses may occur in unexpected or grammatically inappropriate places within a sentence.
- Disorganized Thoughts: The child may struggle to organize their thoughts logically, leading to “maze patterns” in their speech where they veer off-topic or revise what they’re saying mid-sentence.
How Pediatric Speech Therapy Helps Fluency Disorders
At Gigi’s Kids, our pediatric speech and language therapy for fluency disorders is tailored to each child’s unique needs. Our compassionate and experienced SLPs use evidence-based strategies in a friendly and whimsical environment where children feel comfortable exploring their speech in a space that feels like home.
If you’re concerned about your child’s speech fluency, don’t hesitate to reach out to Gigi’s Kids. Our mission is to help your child find their confident voice, build stronger social connections, and step into a future where they feel seen, understood, and empowered.
Get Started with Gigi's Kids Today!
Don’t wait another day to give your child the support they need to communicate confidently. Our team of expert therapists is ready to work with your family to help your child thrive. Give us a call today at (248) 735-8080 to schedule an evaluation, and let’s work together to support your child’s speech and language skills.