Stuttering and children

Alternative names 
Children and stuttering

Definition
Stuttering is a disorder that involves hesitation, repitition, or stumbling while speaking.

Information

Some young children stutter in response to stress, fatigue, or excitement. Stuttering can also be triggered if a child feels rushed, self-conscious, or pressured. Whatever the trigger, most children outgrow the problem.

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.

Johns Hopkins patient information

Last revised: December 7, 2012
by Sharon M. Smith, M.D.

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All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.