For Parents
Warm, friendly answers to the questions parents actually ask — rooted in what our research shows.
Rachel Grinblat, clinician specializing in stuttering, working with Haredi children
Transcript
0:00Hello, I'm Rachel Grinblat, a speech-language clinician working with Yiddish- and Hebrew-speaking children for fifteen years.
0:06I want to share what happens in my clinic when worried parents come to me with a child who stutters.
0:12As a speech-language clinician I want to give them the best, most precise, and most professional treatment —
0:20to bring them to a place where they can fulfil themselves and become capable, successful people.
0:27Today there is broad academic and professional knowledge in the field of stuttering,
0:33but for Yiddish-speaking children — there are not enough tools developed for the Haredi community.
0:40Treatment in the Haredi sector requires unique adaptations and cultural and linguistic sensitivity.
0:47It matters to understand which factors affect stuttering — does the switch between languages have an effect?
0:56Recently we heard about an important and unique study by Dr. Sveta Fichman and Dr. Dvora Freud.
1:04It is the first study in the world focused on children and youth from our community —
1:10so that it can help us understand how to treat the next generation.
1:15I know what is going through your mind — research? Someone coming into my home? Does this fit for us?
1:22I want to reassure you personally: this is our research.
1:27The research team is truly ours — Yiddish speakers who know our nuances and our values.
1:34They will come to your home by full arrangement and with maximum sensitivity.
1:41The images and materials have been carefully screened, so that every child feels comfortable in their own spiritual world.
1:50We will be able to give the children the most precise treatment —
1:53without compromising on values or on professionalism. We need your help.
1:58I invite you to take part in this important study.
2:01Thank you very much, and good tidings.
Dr. Sveta Fichman on how stuttering research has shifted to centering the child. Hebrew, with auto-captions.
Transcript
The Israel Stuttering Association
AMBI strives to create a world that understands stuttering, and to support people who stutter and their families in coping with stuttering.
Visit ambi.org.ilHow to become a participant
We welcome children ages 7–17 who speak any of the languages we study. Participation is simple, and you'll receive a 100 NIS voucher as our thank-you.
Bilingualism is an asset — myth busting
Myth: Bilingual children start talking later.
Reality: Within normal range, and total vocabulary across languages matches monolingual peers.
Myth: Bilingualism causes stuttering.
Reality: No causal link in any peer-reviewed research.
Myth: You must pick one language.
Reality: Keeping both strengthens identity and family bonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bilingualism going to confuse my child?
No. Children raised with multiple languages reach the same developmental milestones as monolingual peers, with richer long-term cognitive flexibility.
Did bilingualism cause my child's stutter?
No. Stuttering has neurological roots — bilingualism does not cause it. Children who stutter benefit from keeping all their languages.
Should we stop speaking our home language?
Please don't. Dropping the home language weakens family connection without improving fluency. Our research consistently shows bilingualism is an asset.