What causes stuttering ?

The exact cause of stuttering is not known; however, researchers around the world are actively

seeking new information about this complex communication disorder. We do know that stuttering is not

caused by emotional problems and it is not a “nervous” disorder. We also know that stuttering is not the

fault of the family or of the person who stutters.

What help is available?

Although there is no simple cure for stuttering, people who stutter can learn to speak more easily, feel

better about themselves and their speaking ability, and communicate more effectively though treatment

by a therapist who is educated and experienced in stuttering therapy. Stuttering typically starts

between the ages of 2½ and 5. Early intervention is the most effective way to help children overcome

their speaking difficulties, so it is important for parents and pediatricians to seek an evaluation by a

qualified speech-language pathologist as soon as they become concerned about a child’s stuttering.

School-age children, adolescents and adults can also benefit from treatment. For these individuals,

treatment is designed to help them learn to manage their stuttering, increase their speech fluency, and

improve their self-esteem and their self-confidence.

Please contact us to discuss your case individually and what treatment will best suit your needs.

How do I get started with stuttering therapy?

     The first step is to call our offices and speak to our therapist about your case specifically. Answer a few

questions and schedule a time to come in for an evaluation. The evaluation session will be able to         determine the severity and type of stutter. At that point a recommendation will be made for frequency

and method of treatment.

Who do you serve?

• Children (Ages 3-12 years)
  

• Teens (Ages 12-17 years)
  

• Adults
  

When is treatment available?

We will work with your schedule and availability. Typically sessions are scheduled in 30-60 minute          sessions on weekdays between the hours of 9am-8pm.

Thomas Gibbons MA, CCC/SLP

Frequently Asked Questions

Important Questions to ask a Speech Therapist

When Seeking Treatment for Stuttering

1) How many clients do you work with right now who stutter?

Tom Gibbons: I currently serve 15-20 clients per week who stutter

2) How many stuttering clients have you treated in the past 5 years?

Tom Gibbons: In the past 5 years  I've treated  over 100 clients with stuttering and fluency

disorders.

3) How many continuing education hours have you devoted to stuttering therapy in the last 2     years?

Tom Gibbons: 90% of my continuing education is focused on stuttering and fluency

4) How do you approach emotions and self-esteem issues in your clients?

Tom Gibbons: There are many fears and emotions that come along with stuttering. Most

  therapists will typically treat the "stuttering behaviors" but not look at some

  underlying issues. We'll look into some of these variables, what can we control,

what can we not? We'll answer "How do we get there from here?"

5) Have you ever attended a support group for those who stutter?

Tom Gibbons: I Chair the Kids and Teens Support Groups in Orlando through the National Stuttering

Association. From 2004-2007 I Co-Chaired of the Adult Stuttering Support group in

Orlando at the UCF campus

Tom Gibbons

Director & Therapist of the Orlando Stuttering Center

Tom received his Masters Degree in Communicative Disorders from the University of Central Florida in 1999. He has worked with stuttering and fluency disorders in patients of all ages from pre-school to adults in a wide range of clinical settings including public schools, private practice, home healthcare, as well as teaching at the third largest University in the country with the biggest speech therapy program in the nation. From 2004-2007, Mr. Gibbons served at the University of Central Florida as Clinical Faculty/Adjunct Supervisor of Stuttering and Fluency Disorders. Tom's practice focuses soley on Stuttering and Fluency therapy in the Central Florida area.  He is also the Chapter Leader for support groups for kids/parents and teens who stutter through the National Stuttering Association. Mr. Gibbons works personally with all clients from the initial assessment through every step of the therapy process.

Professional Memberships:

• National Stuttering Association
  

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  

• Special Interest Division 4, Fluency Disorders