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

Introducing My Podcast: Stuttering Demystified and Beyond by Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP, Stuttering Specialist and Person who Stutters If you or someone you love stutters, you know how confusing, emotional, and isolating the experience can feel. Stuttering is often misunderstood—even by well-meaning teachers, clinicians, and family members. That’s exactly why I created my podcast, Stuttering Demystified and Beyond , now streaming on Spotify  and Apple Podcasts . As a speech-l

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

Why Teens Who Stutter Struggle More in Middle and High School—and How to Help For more information about stuttering and to hear real case studies, check out my podcast Stuttering Demystified and Beyond . Teens who stutter face new pressure and avoidance in school. Learn what changes in adolescence and how to support communication and confidence. Why Teens Who Stutter Struggle More in Middle and High School—and How to Help Stuttering can feel completely different at 13 or 16 t

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

by Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP, Stuttering Specialist, Remember I stutter too! My Philosophy on Stuttering Therapy: Improving Fluency Without Pressure When families or adults begin searching for stuttering therapy, they are often unsure what to expect. Many parents worry their child will be pushed too hard to sound fluent. Others worry that fluency won’t be addressed at all. I hear these concerns often — and they’re completely understandable. My philosophy on stuttering therap

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 your young child is stuttering, you are not alone. When a young child begins to stutter, parents often ask me one simple question: “What should I be doing at home?”It’s an important question — and one I answer with care, both

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 . When apraxia of speech and stuttering occur together, therapy needs to treat both the motor-planning challenges and the speech-flow challenges—without overwhelming the child. The goal is clarity, confidence, and consistency, not perfection. Here are practical, gentle principles that work well for this dual profile: 1. Slow

My Worst Nightmare Wasn’t a Test It Was Ordering at the Deli. by Lori Melnitsky For more information about stuttering and to hear real case studies, check out my podcast Stuttering Demystified and Beyond . Most kids worry about quizzes, homework, or getting called on in class. My worst nightmare? Ordering for everyone at the local deli. It sounds small. Ordinary. Harmless. But for a child who stuttered, it felt enormous. My dad and uncle owned a pharmacy in our town. Around l

For more information about stuttering and to hear real case studies, check out my podcast Stuttering Demystified and Beyond . Many parents ask:“Does my college student really need stuttering therapy?”Below are the clearest signs they may benefit from specialized support 1. Their stuttering has increased since starting collegeStress, lack of sleep, and academic pressure can cause stuttering to increase.Common signs include:- More blocks, repetitions, or long pauses- Avoiding c

For more information about stuttering and to hear real case studies, check out my podcast Stuttering Demystified and Beyond . The jump from high school to college is exciting, overwhelming, and full of new expectations. Even bright, motivated students can struggle when the structure of high school disappears and they suddenly need to manage time, classes, communication, and independence on their own. That’s where College Skills Training comes in. I’m Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-S

3 Ways to Know Your College Student Needs ADHD Coaching For more information about stuttering and to hear real case studies, check out my podcast Stuttering Demystified and Beyond . College can be overwhelming for any young adult—but for students with ADHD, the transition can feel like trying to juggle classes, deadlines, social life, and independence all at once. Even bright, motivated students can suddenly find themselves falling behind, feeling anxious, or losing confidenc

by Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP For many young adults with ADHD, navigating school, work, and life responsibilities can feel overwhelming. Deadlines pile up, routines fall apart, and motivation comes in unpredictable waves. Traditional advice doesn’t always stick—and that’s where ADHD coaching can make a powerful difference. Instead of trying to “fix” ADHD, coaching helps young adults understand how their brain works, build practical strategies, and unlock the strengths that co

by Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP When people start stuttering therapy, they often hope for fast results. It is natural to want fluency to improve quickly, but meaningful, lasting change takes time. Stuttering therapy is not a sprint with a quick finish line. It is a marathon that rewards steady effort, patience, and growth. I've been working on my communication and fluency skills for nearly my entire life. I'm still learning things along the way. 1. Real Progress Takes Consisten