Stuttering and children

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Stuttering and children

Definition:

Hesitation with repetition or spasmodic stumbling while speaking.

Alternative Names:

Children and stuttering

Information:

Question:
What do you do for a young child who occasionally stutters?

Answer:
Most children outgrow the problem, which is often triggered by stress, fatigue, or excitement. Stuttering can also be triggered if the child feels rushed, self-conscious, or pressured.

Listen patiently to your child, make eye contact, don't interrupt, ignore the stuttering, and show love and acceptance. If the stuttering continues longer than 6 months, the "blocked" speech lasts several seconds, or if the child shows obvious facial tension when stuttering, seek professional help. See preschooler development.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.