How does stuttering manifest in children?

Many preschool-aged children stutter occasionally when they are excited or distracted, or when the words just won't come quickly enough. Stuttering is considered a speech disorder only when speech becomes uncontrollably disrupted and children cannot finish a word despite concentration and effort.

Speech therapists identify three core symptoms of childhood stuttering:

• Involuntary repetitions of syllables (Ma-ma-ma-maus)

• Uncontrolled prolongation of sounds (Mmmmmmmaus)

• Speech blocks in which the speech movement completely stops (- - - - -maus)

These symptoms are often accompanied by other physical signs as a reaction to the loss of control while speaking:

• Increasingly loud voice or whispering

• Facial grimaces or great effort when speaking

• Excessive movements of the arms and hands when speaking

• Avoidance strategies such as rephrasing words, abandoning a sentence, or completely avoiding situations in which speaking occurs

• Many parents only notice an issue with their child because of these accompanying signs.

What causes stuttering in children?

Why does my child stutter? The belief that stuttering is caused by trauma, lack of language support, or other failures by parents is fairly common but unfounded. Experts assume that stuttering is innate and not caused by upbringing or experiences.

Numbers and facts about stuttering

• According to studies, around 5% of all children stutter – in most cases, however, the speech disorder only occurs temporarily in early childhood and primary school age

• Boys stutter more often than girls

• In 80–85% of affected children the stuttering stops on its own at some point; the remaining 15–20% stutter for their entire lives

• Stuttering usually occurs between the ages of two and five

• The severity of stuttering varies among children and can range from slight repetitions to severe blocks with strong accompanying symptoms

• Stuttering often occurs depending on the situation, for example when children are excited or in an unfamiliar environment

• Stuttering cannot be prevented or predicted, but it can be well managed with individually tailored speech therapy

My child stutters – how can I support them?

• Do not ignore: Most children are very aware of their speech difficulties and their "difference." Parents who keep the problem quiet and hope it will go away on its own tend to increase their children's insecurity. Better: Address stuttering openly and with understanding, also with caregivers, friends, and teachers.

• Boost self-confidence: For children who stutter, speaking and telling stories becomes a challenge. Parents should encourage their children by listening attentively, responding to what is said, and focusing more on the content than on the form of speech. "You are okay as you are" is the most important message to the child.

• Time to speak: If they have enough time and calm, children who stutter will also finish their sentences – and that is an important achievement. Parents should be very patient and should never finish their children's sentences.

• Speech therapy support: The earlier a child begins speech therapy, the better the chances that they will gain long-term control over the stuttering. Parents should be involved in the therapy to learn how best to handle their child's stuttering. There are various therapy approaches about which pediatricians, as well as speech therapists, can provide information.

Image credits

Young mother does pronunciation exercises with daughter © fizkes - stock.adobe.com

Little girl playfully practices oral-motor skills at home © Julija -stock.adobe.com

Little boy in a speech therapy session © kasto - stock.adobe.com

Speech therapist and little girl practice motor speech © Julija - stock.adobe.com