Multilingual children who stutter: Clinical issues

Abstract

Stuttering occurs across all languages and cultures. However, the impact of speaking more than one language on assessment and treatment of young children who stutter is not well documented. This paper discusses some of the challenges related to clinical issues pertaining to this population including (a) identifying stuttering in an unfamiliar language, (b) the influence of language proficiency, and (c) treatment of multilingual young children who stutter. The paper is written from the perspective of the author's experience treating multilingual children who stutter within the context of the linguistic and cultural diversity of Canada, notably in the French speaking Province of Quebec where many children grow up speaking two or more languages in everyday life. Clinical examples will be taken from the evidence-based literature as well as the author's clinical experience.

Educational objectives: After reading this paper, the learner will be able to (1) summarize the literature regarding assessment and treatment of stuttering in young children speaking more than one language, (2) summarize some of the challenges related to this issue and (3) describe some of the findings associated with treatment of bilingual children who stutter and (4) be prepared to apply some of these suggestions in the treatment of bilingual children who stutter.