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Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Stuttering

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Susan Kinzer, M.P.H.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: October 2002
Last Revision Date: October 2002

• What is stuttering?
• What causes stuttering?
• Who stutters?
• What are the signs and symptoms?
• How is stuttering treated?
• How long does it last?
• Can stuttering be prevented?
• When should I call the doctor?

What is stuttering?

• 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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