SAHMAnswers

Many children go through brief stuttering spells during their toddler years, and for some, it goes away as they continue to grow older.

For others, it might turn out to be a bit more prolonged.

According to kidshealth.org, stuttering is a form of dysfluency, an interruption of flowing speech. There is not a technical “cure” for stuttering, but that doesn’t mean parents have to watch their kids suffer with it without doing anything.

A big cause of stuttering is genetics. A majority of toddlers that stutter have family members that stutter as well. Stuttering is caused by a miscommunication between the brain and the muscles needed for speaking.

Usually, the first signs of stuttering appear in children between 18-24 months. Stuttering is a natural step in language for children at this age. Most of the time, stuttering disappears before age 5.

If the child’s stuttering gets worse or is accompanied by facial or body movements, it might be a good idea to get your child evaluated by a speech-language therapist before age 3.

When children enter school, stuttering continues to decrease as they begin to develop their speech skills with more and more precision. If your child is 5 years old and still stuttering, it may be time to seek help. Talk to your doctor, and see what the child’s school has to offer as far as speech and language therapy. Most elementary schools have a speech-language therapy professional employed that train with the children a few days a week to improve these issues.

The Stuttering Foundation of America recommends that you remember that you are the best role model for your child. When talking with your child, speak slowly and clearly, but don’t force your child to. Allow conversations to be fun and easy. If your child is uncomfortable speaking or reading aloud, don’t force them to. Talking is a fun and enjoyable part of growing up, and children should think so too.