Developmental Delays: When to Call a Doctor
Language & Speech Skill Delays
Stuttering
“My toddler has recently begun to stutter. Is this normal?”
It is common for young children between the ages of 2 to 5 to have a period of temporary stuttering because this is when they are developing their speech and language skills. Most will outgrow it, but not every child.
What is stuttering ?
Stuttering, is a speech disorder when normal speech is interrupted by repetition of extension of certain sounds or words. It can range in frequency and intensity, from mild to severe. Stress can sometimes make it worse. About 75% of children who stutter before schooling age, do get better without any formal intervention. However the other 25% require some form of therapy.
Children who begin to stutter before they reach the age of 3 are more likely to outgrow it. Boys are 3 to 4 times more likely to stutter than girls. There is no way to predict if your child will outgrow stuttering and waiting can be harmful. According to the Stuttering Foundation, a child with a stuttering habit that has lasted for more than 6 months, is less likely to outgrow it.
How you can help your child
Always keep calm and be patient at all times!
• Respond to the message rather than the stuttering. Listen to what your child says, and not how it is said.
• Allow your child to complete her thoughts without interruption. Then wait for a second or two before responding, calmly.
• Keep natural eye contact while your child is talking.
• Avoid filling in or speaking your child’s thoughts or ideas. Let the words be her own.
• Repeat what your child says, in an unhurried manner. For example, if she says, “I w-w-w-want m-my m-m-milk n-n-ow” You reply in an easy and relaxed way, “You want your milk now? Okay, I’ll get you a glass.”
Treatment
Experts agree that if your child is over 3 years old and has been stuttering for 3 to 6 months, you should probably seek a speech evaluation. That’s because your stuttering child may have more than a temporary developmental problem. Find a speech therapist who specializes in stuttering. The therapist can help you decide whether or not your child needs intervention.
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