Stuttering / Fluency Disorder

Stuttering / Fluency Disorder refers to the breaks in the fluidity, or flow, of speech sounds as they form words, phrases, sentences, conversation etc. These 'breaks' may take the form of repetitions (mi-mi-mine), prolongations (mmmine), or abnormal stoppages (no sound) of sounds. Research in the area of stuttering has indicated that genetics can contribute to stuttering. In addition, children with other communication delays/disorders or developmental delays/disorders are more likely to stutter.

At this time there is no 'cure' for stuttering. However, early detection and intervention has a high correlation with success in managing stuttering.There are a variety of successful intervention techniques available to help a child who stutters. Please see our 'Resources' page and click on the 'Stuttering' cobblestone to find links for parents who are concerned that their child may be stuttering. In general, it is important for parents and family members to keep communication with a child who stutters calm, unhurried and attentive.

Symptoms / What To Look For

• Is your child 3 years of age or older? Fluency disorders are typically diagnosed following the age of 3 years
• Has your child been stuttering for 6 months or more? Non-typical dysfluencies are characterized as persisting beyond a period of 6 months
• Do you hear the following in your child's speech: "breaks" (i.e., as in "I am go—–ing to leave soon"), "blocks" (i.e., typically occurs at the beginning of sentences where a child may be 'blocked' from saying the first word and you may hear a silence and see possible facial grimacing or cringing "— I am going to leave soon"), "repetitions" (i.e., as in "I am going to to to leave soon" or "I am go go go-ing to leave soon", "prolongations" (i.e., as in "Wwwwould you like to leave soon?")
• Does your child exhibit any physical concomitants when attempting to speak? Typical physical concomitants include: facial grimacing, trembling jaw, rapid eye blinking, turning the head away, poor eye contact when a stutter occurs, tensing of muscles when a stutter occurs, throwing head backwards, eyes rolling toward the back of their head, open mouth posture when experiencing a stutter)
• Do you ever feel your child is having difficulty getting their words out, pausing before they start their sentences, or saying 'um' or 'uh' frequently"?