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

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

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