Fluency Speech Therapy in Frankfort, Mokena, and Manteno, IL
Fluency therapy is designed to support children who experience disruptions in the natural flow of speech, such as stuttering or cluttering. At Fisher-Jost Therapy, we focus on helping children develop smoother, more confident communication by teaching practical strategies like controlled breathing, pacing, and relaxation techniques. Therapy sessions are interactive and encouraging, allowing children to practice speaking in a safe environment while gradually transferring their skills into real-life situations at home, school, and in social settings.
What Are The Benefits of Fluency Therapy
The benefits of fluency therapy go beyond clearer speech—it helps children build self-confidence, reduce anxiety around talking, and feel more comfortable expressing themselves in daily life. By learning strategies to manage stuttering or cluttering, children often become more active participants in classroom discussions, improve their relationships with peers, and gain independence in communication. Parents also play an essential role by learning techniques to support their child at home, making therapy a collaborative and impactful process.
Who Can Benefit from Fluency Therapy?
Fluency therapy is helpful for children who stutter, clutter, or show signs of avoiding speaking situations due to fear or frustration. While many children experience normal disfluencies during development, ongoing speech blocks, repetitions, or tension while speaking may indicate the need for professional support. At Fisher-Jost Therapy, our therapists work with children across all age groups to reduce the impact of speech disruptions and give them the tools to speak with confidence and ease in any setting.
Signs Your Child May Need Fluency Therapy
It’s not always easy to know when disfluencies are part of typical development versus when they signal a need for intervention. If your child shows the following signs consistently, it may be time to seek support through fluency therapy:
Frequent repetition of sounds, syllables, or words (ie, “c-c-can I…”)
Stretching or prolonging sounds (ie, “ssssssun”)
Pauses or “blocks” when trying to start a word
Tension or visible effort while speaking
Speaking very quickly, making speech hard to follow (cluttering)
Avoiding certain words, conversations, or speaking situations
Expressing frustration, embarrassment, or reluctance to talk
Parent Involvement & Home Strategies for Fluency Therapy
Parents are essential partners in the success of fluency therapy. The way you respond at home can either ease your child’s speaking experiences or unintentionally add pressure. These strategies will help create a supportive environment that encourages progress:
Model Calm Speech: Speak slowly and clearly to show conversations don’t need to be rushed
Give Space: Allow your child time to finish words and thoughts without interruption
Patient Listening: Focus on what your child says, not how they say it
Low-Pressure Practice: Create relaxed opportunities for talking, like mealtimes or bedtime routines
Encourage Participation: Praise efforts to join conversations rather than “perfect” speech
Positive Support: Stay encouraging, helping your child feel confident and accepted