Stuttering In Children
Stuttering, also known by the name of stammering, is a speech disorder that signifies disrupted flow of speech by involuntary repetitions and prolongations of sounds, syllables, words or phrases, along with involuntary silent pauses or blocks. It is also referred to as ‘verbal non-fluency,’ which is wider term for such speech impediments. Usually small children, from the age group of 2 to 5, are seen facing the speech dysfluency, such as stuttering.
How Are Children Affected By Stuttering?
In the under 5’s, stuttering commonly occurs between the ages of two and four years old, with 5% of this age group affected. But for some children it is simply a developmental stage and they grow out of it. In the 5-16 age group, about 109,000 children are affected.
What Causes Stuttering?
A rise in pitch or loudness level on sounds being prolonged or repeated.
The exact cause of stuttering is unknown. It is thought that stuttering may be related to the brain functions that regulate speech production.
Genetics: About 60% of those who stutter have a close family member who stutters.
Differences in the brain’s processing of language: People who stutter process language in different areas of the brain.
How To Help a Stuttering Child
Allow the child time to get his thoughts expressed, regardless of his repetitions and revisions.
Model a calm, slow manner of talking and try to convey a reassuring, unhurried manner when talking with the child.
Become aware of any patterns or circumstances that seem related to a child’s stuttering and modify them if possible.
The goal of treatment is to focus on relearning how to speak, or to unlearn incorrect ways of speaking. Although there is no cure for stuttering, early intervention may keep stuttering from becoming a life-long problem. Speech and language evaluation is suggested for children who exhibit stuttering or struggle with speech for more than six months.
