What is Stuttering?

We all have times when we don’t speak fluently. We might add interjections “uh” “um” in between words or even say a sound more than once. This is normal if it doesn’t happen too frequently. When it happens a lot, it may be stuttering and may require treatment.

What Causes Stuttering?

Experts agree that there is no one know cause of stuttering. They believe that family history of stuttering and small brain differences in the speech areas of the brain can contribute to stuttering. Stuttering usually begins between 2 and 6 years old. Many children go through normal periods of disfluency lasting less than 6 months; however, if stuttering lasting longer than this they may need treatment .

There are risk factors for stuttering:

• Gender: more boys tend to stutter than girls
• Family history of recovery: Individuals who stutter have a greater chance of stopping stuttering when a family member has stopped
• Mood and Temperament: Frustration, tension, excitement, and feeling rushed make children stutter more
• Triggers: Certain life events may trigger stuttering

Seven Tips when Talking to Children who Stutter:

Below is a resource from The Stuttering Foundation to help parents when speaking with their child who stutters.