Stuttering is a common childhood problem, though most children eventually outgrow it. Some children stutter more frequently when they are overstimulated. Stressful social situations also can worsen stuttering, according to the U.S. National Library of Health. Parents who want to help their children stop stuttering should create a nurturing, low-stress environment and seek professional help if the stuttering does not improve in three to six months.
Stuttering vs. Disfluencies
Stuttering is a distinct speaking pattern that is different from the normal struggles children experience when learning to speak. Disfluencies are vocal patterns born of uncertainty that usually involve hedging statements with "um" or "uh" and repeating the first syllable of a word, according to The Stuttering Foundation. True stuttering, however, involves repeating the first syllable or letter of a sentence numerous times in a row. Unlike disfluency, it occurs consistently as a part of a child's speech. It is common in children under 5. Most children grow out of it, but the U.S. National Library of Medicine reports that in 1 percent of children, stuttering gets worse.
Stuttering and Overstimulation
Stuttering has a strong psychological component. Though stuttering itself probably is genetic, it gets worse under certain circumstances. Children frequently stutter when they are placed in new social situations or forced to interact with lots of people. They also may stutter more when they are tired and frustrated. When parents place pressure on their children not to stutter or make them feel ashamed of stuttering, children might begin stuttering more. When children attempt to control their speech pattern, they become hyper-aware of their speech and may stutter.
Help for Stuttering
There are several environmental changes parents can make to help children with stuttering. Avoid scheduling play dates and other social interactions for times when your child already is overstimulated, tired or anxious. When children begin a sentence by stuttering, avoid interrupting them. Instead, allow them time to finish their thought. When stuttering children are interrupted, the overstimulation of trying to correct their speech frequently causes more stuttering. Talk to your child about stuttering in a nonconfrontational and nonjudgmental way. Ask her if there are certain circumstances under which she feels more anxious or self-conscious about stuttering.
Stuttering Treatment
Many children stutter as they learn to speak. If your child stutters for more than six months, however, consult your pediatrician. She may refer you to a speech pathologist and examine potential causes of the stuttering. Rarely, children begin stuttering as a result of psychological trauma. If your child starts stuttering suddenly and previously spoke normally, talk to your pediatrician and ask your child if anything has happened that made her feel afraid or anxious.
References
- "The Portable Pediatrician"; William Sears, M.D., et al.; 2011
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Stuttering
- The Stuttering Foundation; New Look at Stuttering and Emotions; Edward G. Conture
- "Stuttering: A Life Bound Up In Words"; Marty Jezer; 1997
- The Stuttering Foundation; If You Think Your Child Is Stuttering; Dr. Barry Guitar, et al.
