How to Identify Stuttering

Normal speech requires precise muscle movement to produce coordinated breathing, voice production and articulation, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. When speech is interrupted by repeated or extended words, syllables or sounds, the condition is known as stuttering. Between the ages of 2 and 5, stuttering is a common part of childhood language development. Most children outgrow their stuttering before adulthood. Although only a speech-language pathologist can make a definitive diagnosis, a few signs may indicate your child has a stuttering problem.

Instructions

    • 1

      Watch your child's body language. Children who are at risk for or who have a chronic stuttering problem often tense up and appear fearful when they are about to utter a difficult word. You may notice your child's lips or tongue quivering as he repeats syllables, and his face and body may contort with tension and effort.

    • 2

      Look out for avoidance behaviors. A stutterer may use a funny voice to cover his difficulty with language. Additionally, your child may make an unusual number of pauses, interject "ums" and "uhs" into his sentences, and will search for words to replace problematic vocabulary. Some children who stutter pretend to be shy to avoid talking altogether.

    • 3

      Listen to the way your child speaks. According to the Center for Stuttering Therapy, it's common for children to repeat the first sound or syllable of a word or stretch out the first part of a word. For instance, a stutterer might say r-r-r-rabbit or rrrrabbit. Additionally, your child might increase the inflection or loudness of his speech as he struggles through difficult words.

    • 4

      Listen to your child's breathing patterns. Children who stutter often have a difficult time maintaining regular airflow while they speak. Your child may appear out of breath particularly at the beginning of a sentence.

    • 5

      Encourage your child to read or sing out loud with you. Stuttering often is exacerbated by concentrated activities, such as public speaking or talking on the phone, but may subside when your child talks or sings in unison with you, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

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