Speech & Language

Stuttering Therapy

Science-based stuttering therapy for fluent and confident speech.

Stuttering is a communication disorder that affects speech fluency and manifests as repetitions of sounds, syllables, or words, prolongations, and blocks. Usually starting between the ages of 2 and 5, stuttering can go away on its own in some children, but can continue into adulthood if left untreated. As Önce Special Education, we offer comprehensive stuttering therapy programs for both children and adults at our center in Pendik, Istanbul.

Stuttering is not just a speech problem; it is a multi-dimensional condition that deeply affects an individual's social life, academic performance, work life, and self-esteem. Stuttering children may avoid talking, hold back from taking turns to speak, and develop communication anxiety over time. We apply a holistic therapy approach covering both the motor-speech and emotional-cognitive aspects of stuttering with our clients applying to our center from Pendik and across Istanbul.

Stuttering therapy implemented at our center is based on approaches whose efficacy has been proven in international literature. We apply the Lidcombe Program and fluency shaping techniques for preschool children, and fluency reinforcement strategies, desensitization, and cognitive-behavioral techniques for school-age children and adults. As a reliable center in special education, therapy, and rehabilitation in Istanbul Pendik, we support each of our clients in achieving their goal of fluent speech.

Who Is It For?

  • Children who repeat sounds, syllables, or words while speaking
  • Individuals who experience blocking and have difficulty producing words while speaking
  • Children and adults who avoid social situations due to speech anxiety
  • Preschool children where stuttering has recently started and early intervention is critical
  • Adults who have lived with stuttering for years and are looking for professional support

How Does It Work?

1

The type, severity, duration of stuttering, and accompanying avoidance behaviors are determined through a comprehensive evaluation.

2

An individualized therapy plan is created, suitable for the child's age and the nature of the stuttering.

3

Evidence-based methods like family-centered indirect therapy or the Lidcombe Program are applied for preschool children.

4

Fluency shaping, speech rate regulation, and cognitive restructuring techniques are used for school-age children and adults.

5

Transfer and generalization studies during the therapy process ensure the skills learned are integrated into daily life.

Benefits

Speech fluency is increased, reducing the frequency of repetitions, prolongations, and blocks
Speech anxiety and avoidance behaviors are systematically reduced
The individual's communication confidence and social participation are significantly strengthened
Improvements are observed in academic presentations, classroom participation, and peer relationships
The family adopts correct attitudes towards stuttering and gains strategies to support the child
A relapse management plan is created for long-term fluency goals

Frequently Asked Questions

Does stuttering go away completely?

The recovery rate with early intervention is quite high for stuttering starting in the preschool period. In adults, instead of eliminating stuttering completely, the goal is to increase fluency and minimize the impact of stuttering on quality of life. In both cases, very positive results are achieved with professional therapy.

What should I do when my child stutters?

The most important rule is to be patient when listening to your child and wait for them to finish their sentence. Avoid instructions like "speak slowly" or "say it again." Maintain eye contact, do not rush, and create a relaxed speaking environment. We provide detailed guidance on this in our family counseling sessions at our Pendik center.

How often should stuttering therapy be done?

The frequency of therapy is determined by the severity of the stuttering and the child's age. Generally, 1-2 sessions per week are recommended. While 2 sessions per week can be applied during intensive periods for preschool children, session frequency is reduced in the later stages to transition to a follow-up period. We offer flexible appointment options at Önce Special Education.

Free Assessment Appointment

Our experts evaluate your child's developmental needs for free.

Free Assessment Appointment

Our experts evaluate your child's developmental needs for free.

Book an Appointment