Stuttering is also called ìstammeringî or
ìdisfluent speech.î
Stuttering happens when your childís normal speech flow
is interrupted.
What causes stuttering?
We do not know what causes stuttering.
Stuttering can be better or worse at different times. For
example, singing can make it better, and speaking in front of
people can make it worse.
Who stutters?
Over three million Americans stutter.
Stuttering usually happens between the ages of 2 and 6.
Some stuttering is normal for all children up to age 7.
More boys stutter than girls.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Repeating of words or sounds. For example, mo-mo-mommy or
c-c-c-car.
Stretching out words or sounds. For example,
s--------top.
Tightening of muscles in her face.
Staying away from situations where she has to talk.
Being embarrassed by speaking.
How is stuttering treated?
Your child can work with a speech pathologist. A speech
pathologist is a person who works with people who have speech
problems.
A speech pathologist will check out your child.
A speech pathologist will then choose treatment if
needed.
Some types of treatment are speech therapy, drugs, or
electronic devices.
How long does stuttering last?
There is no cure.
Many children outgrow their stuttering.
But it can last your childís whole life.
Working with a speech pathologist can help your child speak
more smoothly.
Can stuttering be prevented?
We do not know.
When should I call the doctor?
Call your doctor if you have any concerns about your child's
speech.
Call if she repeats sounds or words a lot.
Call if she stretches out words a lot.
Call if she is struggling with talking.
Call if she avoids situations where she has to talk.
Call if she seems embarrassed to talk.
Quick Answers
Stuttering is also called ìstammeringî or
ìdisfluent speech.î
It usually begins between the ages of 2 and 6.
Some stuttering is normal for all children up to age 7.
Both children and adults can stutter.
If your child repeats words or sounds, stretches out her
words, tightens her facial muscles when she speaks, or avoids
situations in which she has to talk, you may want to call your
doctor.
A speech pathologist can work with your child to help her
speak more smoothly.
References
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Stuttering.
1997. (cited 2002 August 21). URL:
http://www.asha.org/speech/disabilities/stuttering.cfm
KidsHealth for Parents. Stuttering. 2001 June. (cited 2002
August 21). URL:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/ears/stutter.html
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication
Disorders. Stuttering. 2002 May. (cited 2002 August 21). URL:
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/pubs_vsl/stutter.htm
National Stuttering Association. A Guide For Parents Of
Children Who Stutter. 2002 January 7. (cited 2002 August 21). URL:
http://www.nsastutter.org/families/parentguide.html
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