Stuttering is a common speech disorder that can raise concerns among parents when they notice their child experiencing speech disruptions. In this blog, we'll explore what stuttering is, why children stutter, and what you can do to support your child through this phase.
What Is Stuttering?
Stuttering is a speech disorder characterised by disruptions in the normal flow of speech. These disruptions can manifest as repetitions of sounds, syllables, or whole words, as well as prolonged pauses or blockages during speech (Guitar, 2019). The World Health Organisation and the Australian Human Rights Commission have also acknowledged stuttering as a disability (Australian Stuttering Research Centre, 2018). Many children go through a phase of stuttering as they learn to speak. This is known as developmental stuttering and is typically temporary. It often begins between the ages of 2 and 5 when children are acquiring more complex language skills (Raising Children Network (Australia), 2022).
Why Do Children Stutter?
Understanding the underlying causes of stuttering can be complex, as it often involves a combination of factors:
1. Genetics: Stuttering tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition.
2. Neurological Factors: Some differences in brain structure and function can contribute to stuttering.
3. Developmental Factors: Many children go through a phase of stuttering as they learn to speak. This is typically referred to as "developmental stuttering" and often resolves on its own.
*Most importantly, Stuttering is a physiological condition and is NOT caused by psychological elements like anxiety, stress, parenting techniques, or early communication between parents and their children (University of Technology Sydney, 2023).
What are the signs of Stutter?
These typical disfluencies can be observed in children as they acquire an extensive vocabulary or when learning new speech sounds, and they are considered a regular part of language development (ASHA, 2023). Here are some types of disfluencies are associated with stuttering:
1. Part-word repetitions – "I w-w-w-want a drink."
2. Repetition of one-syllable words – "Go-go-go away."
3. Prolonged sounds – "Ssssssssam is nice."
4. Blocks or hesitations – "I want a (pause) cookie."
Stuttering in children is a common developmental phase, but it can also be a source of concern for parents. Be aware of Stuttering around you and find out more about it now through the link below!
References
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). (2023). Stuttering. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/stuttering/#signs
Australian Stuttering Research Centre. (2018). Stuttering in Schools: A Resource for Teachers. University of Technology Sydney. https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/2022-08/Stuttering%20in%20schools%20-%20A%20resource%20for%20teachers_Nov%202018_20220830.pdf
Guitar, B. (2019). Stuttering : an integrated approach to its nature and treatment (Fifth edition.). Wolters Kluwer.
Raising Children Network (Australia). (2022). Stuttering. https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers/development/language-development/stuttering#:~:text=Stuttering%20most%20commonly%20starts%20when,stutter%2C%20contact%20a%20speech%20pathologist
University of Technology Sydney. (2023). What is stuttering?. https://www.uts.edu.au/research/australian-stuttering-research-centre/information-about-stuttering/what-stuttering#:~:text=In%20short%2C%20stuttering%20is%20a,children%20when%20they%20are%20young
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