WHAT IS STUTTERING?
Stuttering is characterized by an abnormally high frequency and/or duration of abnormal stoppages (no sound), repetitions (st-st-stuttering) or prolongations (ssssstuttering) of sounds and syllables. There also may be unusual facial and body movements associated with the effort to speak.

Almost all children stutter in the early stages of speech development. It is especially common between ages 2 and 5. Boys are three to four times more likely to stutter than girls.

“The good news is that 80 percent of children who stutter will recover before puberty,” said licensed speech language pathologist Kathy Pazak. “Children’s rate of recovery without treatment is much lower.” No one knows exactly what causes childhood stuttering. Scientists believe there may be a variety of reasons. The most common form of childhood stuttering is thought to be simply developmental—a child’s thinking happens more quickly than his ability to put those thoughts into words. Stuttering that lasts beyond childhood may be the result of a neurological problem that disrupts the free flow of speech.

	Kathy Pazak, MS, Speech Language Pathology

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO?
Most children who stutter outgrow it. Only a small number have true stuttering. If you notice your child stuttering over a period of time—at least three months—or if you’re concerned about his or her speech development, talk to your doctor. In general, a doctor will recommend speech therapy if the child is older than age 2 and:

• has been stuttering for more than three months
• shows consistent stuttering
• shows tension or struggling behavior when stuttering.

• Provide a relaxed environment and opportunities for your child to speak.
• Listen attentively when your child speaks.
• Speak slowly and in a relaxed manner.
• Read bedtime stories in a slow, fluent manner.
• Allow your child to finish his or her own sentences.
• Let your child speak at his or her own pace. Avoid correcting or criticizing. Do not ask your child to slow down or repeat words.