Working With A Speech Pathologist

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- One out of every 20 children is a stutterer. Now, you might be wondering why don't you come across that many people who stutter as adults? 

The biggest reason is stuttering disappears without any treatment at all in three out of every four children.  In addition, if stuttering is addressed when children are in preschool major strides can be made.  If a child has an opportunity to work with a speech pathologist and parents are involved in the program, one out of two stutterers will improve. 

For adults with the condition there are specific techniques which can help.  Clearly, it's not something that has to be disabling.  Major changes can occur and this can be a dramatic help. some famous stutterers: James Earl Jones, Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe and Vice President Joe Biden.