By Lori Melnitsky, MA, CCC-SLP If you've been searching for stuttering therapy, you've probably come across many different treatment programs. Some clinicians follow one specific method, while others combine strategies from several evidence-based approaches. People often ask me, "What stuttering program do you use?" The answer has changed over the years. Today, I use a treatment program that I developed after more than 30 years of working exclusively with people who stutter.

by Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP As a speech-language pathologist who specializes in stuttering—and as someone who stutters myself—I know that stuttering is about much more than the moments when speech gets stuck. I grew up with severe stuttering, so I understand firsthand what it is like to know exactly what you want to say but struggle to get the words out. I also understand the impact stuttering can have on confidence, participation, and the willingness to speak. Over the yea

by Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP When parents first notice their child stuttering, one of the most common questions they ask me is: “Should I talk to my child about the stuttering—or will that make it worse?” Many parents are afraid that bringing attention to stuttering will make their child more self-conscious. They worry that if they use the word stuttering, their child will suddenly become anxious or embarrassed about the way they speak. So instead, they may avoid the topic c

by Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP As summer approaches, many parents begin reflecting on how their child handled the school year socially, emotionally, and academically. For some families, speech and communication concerns become more noticeable during this time of year. You may have noticed your child struggling to get words out, becoming frustrated while speaking, or avoiding certain talking situations altogether. Sometimes parents are told to “wait and see,” while their gut te

By Lori Melnitsky, MA, CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist | Stuttering Specialist All Island Speech & Stuttering Therapy For more information about stuttering and to hear real case studies, check out my podcast Stuttering Demystified and Beyond. If you’re noticing stuttering in your kindergarten child, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions parents ask me — and it’s a question I understand deeply, both professionally and personally.I’m a speech-language p

Does My Child Need Speech Therapy for Stuttering? For more information about stuttering and to hear real case studies, check out my podcast Stuttering Demystified and Beyond . If your child has started repeating sounds, getting stuck on words, or struggling to get their thoughts out, it’s completely natural to wonder: “Is this normal… or does my child need speech therapy for stuttering?” As a speech-language pathologist who specializes in stuttering—and as someone who has per

by Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP For more information about stuttering and to hear real case studies, check out my podcast Stuttering Demystified and Beyond . Clear Signs to Help Parents Know When It’s Time Many parents ask me the same question: “My teen stutters… but do they really need therapy?” Stuttering can be unpredictable. Some days your teen sounds fluent; other days they freeze, get stuck, or avoid talking completely. As a speech-language pathologist who stuttered

by Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP, Certified ADHD and Exec Fucnctioning Coach “I know what I’m supposed to do. I just can’t seem to get myself to do it.” I hear this from college students and young adults all the time. They know they should start the paper. They know the assignment is due Friday. They know they need to answer the email. They know they have an exam coming up. But knowing what to do and actually getting it done are two very different things. This is where executive

By Lori Melnitsky, MA, CCC-SLP If you're an adult who stutters, you've probably heard comments like, "Slow down," "Take a deep breath," or "Just relax." While people usually mean well, these suggestions rarely make speaking easier. I know that because I've lived it. I have stuttered since I was a child. I remember avoiding certain words, worrying about introducing myself, and feeling frustrated when I couldn't say what I wanted to say. Those experiences inspired me to become

What Are Fluency Targets for School-Age Children and Teens Who Stutter? A Speech-Language Pathologist Explains By Lori Melnitsky, MA, CCC-SLP Introduction If your school-age child or teenager stutters, you may have wondered what actually happens during speech therapy. Many parents ask what their child will learn, whether therapy is just about slowing down, and whether fluency can improve. Effective therapy focuses on specific speech skills called fluency targets. These skills

by Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP When a child or adult struggles to speak fluently, many people assume it must be stuttering. While stuttering is the most well-known fluency disorder, it isn't the only one. Another condition called cluttering can also affect speech, but it looks and sounds different in many important ways. Understanding the difference is essential because the correct diagnosis leads to the most effective treatment. As a speech-language pathologist specializing i

You’re not alone. One of the most common questions parents ask is, “Why is another child improving faster than mine?” The truth is that childhood stuttering is different for every child. Progress in stuttering therapy depends on many factors, including age, severity, motivation, family support, and the type of treatment a child receives. As a speech-language pathologist who also stutters, I understand how emotional this journey can be for families. While every child progresse

When ADHD and Stuttering Collide: Why It Feels Hard—and What Actually Helps If your child has ADHD and also stutters, you didn’t miss something. These are separate conditions, but they can show up together—and when they do, speaking can feel like trying to juggle while running. Fast thoughts, time pressure, and big feelings add load to a speech system that already needs calm and space. What you might notice Words “rush out,” then get stuck. Losing a thought mid-sentence, hopp

5 Key Tips to Help Your Child with Stuttering If your child stutters, you’re not alone—and there are simple, effective ways to support smoother, more confident speech at home. Stuttering (also called childhood-onset fluency disorder) is common in children learning to express themselves. Here are five expert-backed tips to help your child thrive in their speech journey. 1. Create a Calm and Supportive Talking Environment A peaceful setting helps children who stutter feel less

By Lori Melnitsky, MA, CCC-SLP “Just slow down.” It’s one of the most common things people say to someone who stutters. It’s usually well-meaning. It sounds simple, supportive—even logical. But for many people who stutter, those two words can feel frustrating, dismissive, and even isolating. Because stuttering isn’t simply about speaking too fast. --- It’s Not About Speed If stuttering were just about talking too quickly, the solution would be easy. Slow your speec

Is It Stuttering or Just a Developmental Phase? Many parents notice their child repeating words, getting stuck on sounds, or hesitating while speaking. This can feel confusing and even worrying. A common question parents ask is: “Is my child stuttering, or is this just a developmental phase?” Understanding the difference can help parents decide when it may be helpful to seek guidance from a speech-language pathologist who specializes in stuttering. What Is Developmental Disfl

If you’re an adult who had braces years ago — and your teeth are shifting again — you may have been told: “Your tongue is pushing.” And you may have wondered… What does that even mean? Tongue thrust in adults is more common than most people realize.It often goes undiagnosed for years.And yes — it can absolutely be corrected. At All Island Speech and Stuttering Therapy, I work virtually with adults across multiple states who are frustrated with orthodontic relapse, jaw tensio

by Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP , Speech Pathologist You may have never heard the term “tongue thrust” — until your orthodontist mentioned it. Or maybe you’ve noticed: An open bite that isn’t closing Your child’s tongue peeking forward when they swallow A persistent “S” sound that doesn’t sound quite right Lips that stay slightly open at rest And now you’re wondering… Is this something they’ll grow out of?Or is it something we should address? Let’s break it down in simple terms

by Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP Adult ADHD Isn’t Laziness Many adults with ADHD grow up believing they are lazy, unmotivated, or not trying hard enough. They watch others seem to manage work, responsibilities, and daily life with ease while they struggle to stay organized, start tasks, or follow through — even when they care deeply. But adult ADHD is not laziness .It is an executive functioning challenge . Adults with ADHD often know exactly what needs to be done. They may be

by Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP If you’re a parent of a child who stutters, you may have heard this phrase from the school: “Let’s just wait and see.” Sometimes that recommendation feels reassuring.Other times, it feels confusing, frustrating, or even scary. You may be wondering: What if I’m missing a critical window? What if waiting makes things worse? Am I supposed to just… do nothing? The truth is, “wait and see” does not mean do nothing — and it does not mean your concerns