Stuttering
Stuttering is a communication disorder in which the flow of words is disrupted by repetitions (be-be-before), prolongations (ssssomeone), or abnormal stopages (no sound) of sounds or syllables. It occurs in about four times as many males as females. As individuals try to overcome this difficulty, they sometimes develop habits such as facial or body movements that further disrupt their communicative attempts. Stuttering can inhibit a students social and academic development. For instance, students who stutter frequently are reluctant to speak in class, with specific indiviuals (e.g. teachers or administrators) or on the phone.
Teen aged students generally benefit from knowledge about stuttering and how others have or have not let it impact their lives. It is also usually helpful if the student can openly discuss stuttering in general and how if affects them personally. Teachers are encourage to expect no less from a student who stutters. Teachers are also encouraged to discuss with the student the best conditions for oral communication (e.g. first, second, last) and to tolerate no disrespect from the student's peers.
