How Can I Detect Early Signs of Stuttering in My Children?

Published on February 26, 2023 by Angie J

Do you notice your child stuttering when they speak? Stuttering is a speech disorder that causes interruptions in the normal flow of speech, making it difficult to speak smoothly. For example, your child may repeat certain sounds or syllables (e.g., "cccc can I watch TV?"), prolong sounds (e.g., "waaaaalkie talkie"), or pause in between words (e.g., "I want" -- pause for a few second -- "a glass of water") while speaking.

Stuttering, also known as childhood-onset fluency disorder, can be different for every child, and it might not be easy to notice at first. Some kids might start stuttering when they're young, while others might start later on. It's important for you to know the signs of stuttering so you can detect it early and get help. Stuttering can make it hard for a child to talk well, and it can cause problems with emotions and friendships. Parents, caregivers, and teachers can help by understanding the signs of stuttering and getting help if needed.

Spotting signs of stuttering in children

How can you tell if your child is stuttering and requires professional help? To detect stuttering, you need to listen carefully to your child's speech and notice any patterns or interruptions. Here are some of the red flags for stuttering.

• Repetitions: Repetitions are one of the most common speech behaviors observed in children who stutter. A child who stutters may repeat sounds, syllables, or words multiple times before being able to continue with their speech. For example, a child may say "b-b-b-ball" instead of "ball." These repetitions can occur at the beginning of a word, in the middle of a word, or at the end of a word.
• Prolongations: Prolongations are another speech behavior that can be observed in children who stutter. A child who stutters may hold a sound or syllable for an extended period of time, such as saying "ssssssssnake" instead of "snake." These prolongations can make it difficult for the child to continue with their speech, and may cause frustration or anxiety.
• Blocks: A block occurs when a child has difficulty starting a word or phrase, or when they pause for an extended period of time before being able to speak. During a block, the child may appear to be struggling to get the word out, and may exhibit physical tension, such as tensing their facial muscles or clenching their fists.
• Physical movements: A child who stutters may exhibit facial and body movements, such as blinking, tensing their facial muscles, or jerking their head or limbs, when they are trying to speak. These movements may be a sign of the effort and tension involved in trying to get their words out.
• Anxiety: Children who stutter may experience anxiety and frustration related to their speech difficulties, which can be evident in their behavior and body language.

Distinguishing between normal dysfluency and stuttering in children

It's important to understand that there is a condition called normal dysfluency, which is different from stuttering. Normal dysfluency is a common speech pattern in young children as they learn to communicate, while stuttering is a speech disorder that can make it hard for a child to talk well. Normal dysfluency usually goes away on its own, and it only happens when children's language skills are developing, usually around 3-4 years of age. However, stuttering requires professional help. Here are some differences between normal dysfluency and stuttering:

• Frequency and severity: Normal dysfluency occurs sporadically and may not be severe, while stuttering is characterized by frequent and severe disruptions in speech.
• Repetitions: Children with normal dysfluency may repeat words or phrases. (e.g., "I-I want that toy," or"Can-can we go to the park?" Children with stuttering may repeat words, but more frequently sounds or syllables are repeated (e.g., “cccc can I play with him?” "ggggg goodbye.").
• Length of disfluencies: Children with normal dysfluency may pause briefly or repeat a word or phrase once or twice before continuing their speech. Children with stuttering may prolong sounds or blocks for longer periods of time, making it difficult to continue speaking.
• Physical symptoms: Children with stuttering may exhibit physical symptoms, such as facial or body movements, as they struggle to speak. Normal dysfluency does not carry such symptoms.

Seeking help for your child's speech development

If you suspect that your child has a stutter, seeking the advice of a speech therapist or pediatrician is recommended. These professionals can evaluate your child's speech and provide recommendations for treatment, which may involve speech therapy or other interventions. Early intervention is crucial in helping children overcome stuttering and develop effective communication skills.

It is also important to note that normal dysfluency is a common part of speech development in young children, and it often improves with time. However, if you are concerned about your child's speech or language development, seeking the advice of a speech therapist or pediatrician is also recommended. These professionals can evaluate your child's speech and provide recommendations for treatment or intervention if necessary, ensuring that your child develops effective communication skills.

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