If your child has difficulty speaking and tends to repeat certain sounds, syllables, words or phrases, he may have a stuttering problem. OR he may be going through a "bout" of stuttering which some children experience during the preschool years. How can you know if the problem is serious?

Determining Risk Factors for Stuttering

Some children go through a normal phase of stuttering which comes and goes and is characterized by repetitions of words (ie., my, my, my) or repetitions of syllables (ie., li-li-like this). Dysfluencies may also include hesitancies and the use of fillers such as "um". Although you should always consult professional help if you are unsure, some children experience this type of dysfluency as a normal part of development.

Red Flags or Warning Signs to consult professional help:

If your child stutters often or with considerable effort and tension, it may be wise to consult with an ASHA (American Speech-Hearing Association) certified Speech-Language Pathologist. Tension during speech, hand clapping, head jerking or foot stomping can be an indicator of a more serious stuttering condition that, if untreated, can develop into a lifelong disability.

Other risk factors include:

• Does another family member stutter?
• Did the child develop the problem after age 3 1/2?
• Has the stuttering continued for six months or longer?
• Does the child have any speech errors or trouble following directions?

An answer to any one of these questions can indicate a higher risk factor for your child. For more information, feel free to contact us by phone (309) 663-4172 or email at basha@speechandlearningconnections.com.

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