As children become more verbal, they can stumble over words. Which in turn can raise concerns about stuttering and their speech and language development. Disfluencies are normal, but when should a parent be concerned?

Common disfluencies

Word or phrase repetitions (disfluencies) in young children is not uncommon. Five percent of kids between 2 1/2 and 5 experience disfluencies during their development.

It’s common for children to experience times of disfluency and fluency, and have periods when they go back and forth. This typically occurs when a child feels rushed to talk, tired, or excited. But it also can occur for no apparent reason

For many children disfluencies can go away on their own, but for others, it can persist and become more obvious. A speech and language therapist can help resolve stuttering.

How can a parent tell the difference between typical disfluency and stuttering? According to Healthy Children.

Typical (Less Likely To Continue)

Repeating phrases (“He took it- he took it from me”) and whole words (“But-but I don’t want to go”)

Use of filler words/sounds (um, uh, like)

No tension or physical struggle when speaking

No other problematic behaviors when speaking

No negative reaction or frustration

No family history of stuttering

Disfluencies last less than 6 months

Not typical (Higher Risk for Stuttering)

Repeating sounds or syllables “Look at the b-b-baby”

Sound prolongations (“Ssssssssometimes we stay home”)

Blocks (child appears to be trying to make a sound but cannot) and/or physical struggle when speaking

“Secondary” behaviors that go along with speaking difficulty (such as hand tapping, eye blinking, or throat clearing)

Negative reaction or frustration to speaking

Family history of stuttering

Disfluencies last longer than 6 months

If your child is truly stuttering, he or she may hold out the first sound in a word, saying “Ssssssssometimes we stay home,” or repeat the sound, as in “Look at the b-b-b-baby!” In addition, children who stutter often develop other mannerisms such as eye blinking, tense mouth, looking to the side, and avoiding eye contact.

Risk factors for stuttering

The biggest predictor is family history.

Young boys are twice as likely to stutter than girls.

Children that start stuttering around 4 years of age, tend to be have a more persistent stutter.

A child that has an existing speech or language disorder increases the possibility of stuttering.

An evaluation by a speech and language therapist can help determine if your child’s stuttering will persist.

If your child suffers from stuttering or some type of speech-language disorder, you are not alone. Speech difficulties can significantly affect their lives.

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “If you think your child stutters, get help from an SLP as early as possible. Early help can reduce the chances that your child will keep stuttering.”

At First Words Speech Therapy we offer specialized therapy programs that can help. Designed to significantly reduce stuttering, improve socialization and learning, as well as the overall quality of life for your child.