Stuttering
Definition
Stuttering — also called stammering — is a speech disorder that involves repeating or prolonging a word, syllable or phrase, or stopping during speech and making no sound for certain syllables.
Stress, fatigue and excitement can make stuttering worse. Situations in which you’re self-conscious about speaking also can be difficult, such as giving a presentation or talking on the telephone. Stuttering usually decreases when you’re relaxed.
Stuttering is common among young children when they’re learning to speak. Most children outgrow stuttering on their own. For children whose stuttering is persistent, speech therapy can often help decrease stuttering.
As a parent, you can help by not drawing attention to your child’s stuttering and by providing a relaxed, calm atmosphere at home in which your child feels comfortable speaking freely.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of stuttering include:
- Difficulty starting a word, sentence or phrase
- Repetition of a sound, syllable or word
The speech difficulties of stuttering may be accompanied by:
- Rapid eye blinks
- Tremors of the lips or jaw
- Tension, tightness or movement of the face or upper body
When to see a doctor
Many children stutter when they are learning to talk; it’s common for kids between the ages of 2 and 5 to stutter. For most, the stuttering goes away on its own.
Call your child’s doctor for an appointment if stuttering:
- Lasts more than six months
- Becomes more frequent
- Occurs along with facial tension or tightness
- Occurs with other facial or body movements
- Affects your child’s schoolwork or social interactions
- Causes emotional problems, such as fear or avoidance of situations in which your child has to talk
- Continues beyond age 5 or first becomes noticeable in early school age, when your child begins reading aloud in school
