Stuttering and children
Key points
- Stuttering is a disorder that involves hesitation, repitition, or stumbling while speaking.
- 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.
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.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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