Stuttering in Preschoolers

Stuttering is a condition with breaks in the flow of speech, because the muscles used for talking tighten up. It can include:

• Repeated syllables or short words, like “I-I-I-I want it.”
• Prolonged sounds, like “Ssssssssometimes.”
• Blocks or tense pauses where no sound is heard, like “Wh----at do you think?”

While stuttering, kids may also look away, blink, tighten their faces or move their arms or legs.

• Research indicates that children are born with differences in their brains that make it more likely they will stutter. Stuttering happens when your child’s neurological system is overwhelmed. Stuttering can start slowly over time or appear suddenly.
• Stuttering is not your child’s fault. Many factors influence stuttering. Some factors that support your child’s communication make stuttering less likely. Other factors that place demands on their communication make it more likely.
• For example, parents can influence the environment the child lives in, but research has shown that parents do not cause their child’s stuttering.
• Factors can include things inside (internal to) and outside (external to) your child.

6 out of 10 people who stutter have family members who stutter.

People who stutter process language differently. For example, they use both sides of the brain for talking rather than 1 side.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) studies of people who stutter have shown differences in the area under the brain’s outer layer (the cortex). This part controls the movement of the tongue, lips and voice box (larynx).

Children whose language skills are much higher than their skills at making speech sounds are more likely to stutter.

Children who have difficulty:

• Coordinating their tongue, lips and jaw to say sounds accurately
• Starting and maintaining conversations
• With nonverbal skills
• Talking with others
• Organizing language

are more likely to stutter.

Boys are more likely to continue to stutter than girls. The likelihood of continuing to stutter is close to the same for boys and girls in families where another family member stutters.

Being sensitive, reactive, inflexible, shy or anxious influences stuttering. Thinking you have to be perfect or having attention issues are also risk factors.

Though parents do not cause stuttering, fast-paced schedules, quick interactions, siblings who compete for talk time and high expectations can contribute to stuttering. 

Negative reactions to stuttering both from the child or parents are unhelpful.

Lack of routines, inconsistent sleep, and behavior problems can increase the chances of stuttering.

• Most children recover without therapy, but about 1 out of 10 kids will stutter as adults. Children who have been stuttering for several years or who are older than 5 are likely to keep stuttering. Severe stuttering or starting to stutter very suddenly are not signs children will keep stuttering.
• Speech and language pathologists look at the factors listed above to decide if stuttering therapy would be helpful to your child.
• If you have concerns about your child’s stuttering, talk with your child’s doctor or contact a speech and language clinic. You can call Seattle Children’s Speech and Language Services at 206-987-2104.

• Listen without being distracted while your child is talking, which can include looking your child in the eyes as appropriate.
• Don’t rush your child. Let your child know they have your full attention for as long as they need. Time pressures increase stuttering.
• Let your child know you are listening to what they say and not how they say it.

• Respond to stuttering with patience, acceptance and love.
• Praise your child’s talking, and be specific, like “I love to hear all of your amazing ideas. You are so creative,” or “That was really interesting. Tell me more about your day.”
• Parents are often told not to draw attention to the stuttering, but talking in an open, matter-of-fact way about stuttering helps educate your child. This will hopefully prevent your child from feeling shame about stuttering. 
• Avoid phrases like, "Slow down," or "Stop, and say it again slowly." This kind of feedback often makes children tenser. Tension can lead to more stuttering.

• Speak slowly, and your child will often match your rate of speech.
• Point out when you misspeak, and say, "I mixed up my words. That’s OK. No one speaks perfectly."
• Repeat or rephrase what your child says, modeling a slow, easy way of talking.

• Start conversations by commenting instead of asking questions. This has been found to help reduce stuttering. For example, say, "We did so many fun things today," and pause to see if your child will begin telling about the day instead of saying, "What did we do today?"
• At home, encourage everyone to take turns talking and listening as much as possible. Competing for time can increase stuttering.

• Try fewer activities in a day if you find there is not enough time to allow your child to talk without rushing.
• Have 5- to 10-minute talking times every day when you create a calm, organized environment to play with your child. Provide space to talk more smoothly. Give your undivided attention and model slow, smooth talking. This may allow your child to talk without being hurried.

Stuttering Foundation of America
Helpful information, videos, and other resources regarding stuttering.
stutteringhelp.org

National Stuttering Association
Offers help with insurance coverage and helps kids connect with support
groups in their area.
westutter.org

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
The speech-language pathologist association offers basic information on
stuttering as well as helping parents connect with local speech-language
pathologists.
asha.org

Friends: The National Association of Young People Who Stutter
Empowers kids and connects them with other kids who stutter.
friendswhostutter.org