Developmental Stuttering

14 Dec Developmental Stuttering

Developmental stuttering. 

This is the most common type of stuttering in children. It usually happens when a child is between ages 2 and 5. It may happen when a child’s speech and language development lags behind what he or she needs or wants to say.

What are the symptoms of stuttering in a child?

Each child’s development is different. A child may have symptoms of stuttering that are part of his or her normal speech and language development. If the symptoms last for 3 to 6 months, he or she may have developmental stuttering. Symptoms of stuttering may vary throughout the day and in different situations. Your child’s symptoms may include:

• Repeating sounds, syllables, or words, for example, repeating a sound as in W-W-W-What
• Prolonging sounds, for example, SSSSend
• Using interjections such as “um” or “like,” for example, I am going – um um like…
• Talking slowly or with a lot of pauses
• Stopped or blocked speech. The mouth is open to speak, but nothing is said.
• Being out of breath or nervous while talking
• Fast eye blinking or trembling or shaking lips when speaking
• Increased stuttering when tired, excited, or under stress
• Being afraid to talk

Children at risk of Stuttering

A family history of stuttering

Stuttered for 6 months or longer

Other speech or language disorders

Strong emotions about stuttering or family members with fears or concerns.

Boys are 2 to 3 times as likely to stutter as girls and as they get older this gender difference increases; the number of boys who continue to stutter is three to four times larger than the number of girls. Most children outgrow stuttering. Approximately 75 percent of children recover from stuttering.

Effects of Stuttering

• Pre-schoolers might not be aware of their stuttering, and stuttering won’t affect their development. Pre-schoolers who stutter can have the same social skills as non-stuttering children.
• Your child isn’t more likely to be shy or withdrawn compared with children their age who don’t stutter.
• But if stuttering continues into primary school, it can become a problem. If your child stutters, they might feel frustrated or embarrassed because of the way other children react to the way they speak. Your child might avoid talking or change what they want to say to avoid stuttering. They might not want to join in with classroom discussions.
• Primary school-age children are less likely to be thought of as leaders by their peers and more likely to be bullied compared with children who don’t stutter.

Tips to improve Stuttering

• Try to provide a relaxed environment.
• Set time aside to talk with your child.
• Encourage your child to talk to you about fun and easy topics.
• Try not to react in a negative way. Instead, praise your child for correct speech.
• Don’t interrupt your child while he or she is speaking.
• Speak slowly to your child. This may help him or her to also speak slowly.
• Pay attention to your child when he or she speaks.
• Wait for your child to say words or sentences without saying them for him or her.
• Talk openly about the stuttering if the child brings up the subject.
• Educate your child’s teachers and help them provide a school environment that is accepting and safe from bullying.
• Share your family history of speech and language disorders (if known) with your Developmental Paediatrician.