This rhythm of language is one way that speech pathologists help children who stutter. Children are taught to slow down, stretch out or exaggerate their speech to gain greater control over their stuttering. There are many different techniques for dealing with stuttering. These techniques vary according to the speech pathologists theoretical orientation. Psychological rationales advocate stress reduction.
Behavioral models reinforce non-stuttering behaviors and give disincentives for stuttering.
Learning theories work with the rhythms of language. And there are some new, untested techniques that appear to help some children, such as the use of hearing aids. Stuttering usually occurs between two to four years of age, although it sometimes begins around five to seven. Although it rarely begins in adolescence, children can continue to stutter through adulthood. The causes for it are still unknown.