child stuttering

Child stuttering occurs most frequently in young children between the ages of 2 and 6 who are developing language. Indeed, it’s estimated that between 5% and 15% of children stutter at some point in childhood. As children get older, the prevalence of child stuttering drops to about 1% in junior school and senior school, and to about 0.1% for adults. Of 2-3 year-olds, equal numbers of boys and girls stutter. The sex ratio becomes 3:1 by the time they begin their school life, but majority will outgrow their stuttering before adulthood.

Child stuttering requires direct therapy and begins by teaching the child to speak fluently. Therapy progresses from sounds to words and sentences, from a slow speaking rate to a normal speaking rate, and from the low-stress speech clinic to real-life conversations. With child stuttering negative feelings or frustrations are often apparent and need to be handled delicately with patience and understanding.

The earlier the child stuttering is addressed the higher the success rate, particularly in the under 5’s. It can be very distressing for parents to see their child stuttering and struggling with issues of self-consciousness, lack of confidence, teasing and bullying. It is entirely understandable that parents will consider 'anything' to help their child stuttering, 'no matter the cost'. However, dashed hopes and expectations about a 'cure' can lead to even greater difficulties and a sense of despair and hopelessness for both parents and children when they discover it hasn't worked. A professional evaluation should be the starting point and a sensible course of action can prevent the child stuttering from developing if treated early enough. Stuttering is not a disease. The objective should be to progress toward improved fluency and success in communicating the rest should follow!