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Stuttering / dysfluency Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for educational use only. Please consult your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.
Key points to remember
- the terms 'stuttering', 'stammering' and 'dysfluency' refer to the same thing
- fluency refers to the way words flow easily and naturally
- dysfluency (stuttering) refers to speech disruptions such as repetitions (pa..pa..pa..paper), prolongations (mmmmmy…) or periods when the words seem to get stuck and won't come out
- most children who stutter begin doing so between the ages of two and five years when speech and language is developing
- many children stutter at some stage and for many of these children, the stuttering resolves by itself (but see When should I seek help?)
- stuttering can run in families; if a parent or relative stutters, a child has a higher chance of stuttering than someone whose parents or relatives do not
You might find it useful to also look at the following related fact sheets on this website:
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What is stuttering / dysfluency?Note that the terms ‘stuttering', ‘stammering' and ‘dysfluency' refer to the same thing.
Stuttering is a disorder that affects speech fluency (the way words flow easily and naturally). People who stutter know what they want to say, but have trouble saying it because their speech flow is disrupted by any of the following:
- repeating sounds, words or phrases; for example, pa..pa..pa..paper; super..super..super..supermarket
- prolonging sounds; for example, mmmmmy…
- periods during which speech production is blocked with no sound coming out - the words seem to get stuck
During a stutter (or dysfluent moment) some children may make face or body movements such as: grimacing, eye-rolling, blinking or foot stamping. Some children who stutter will use a lot of extra filler words like ‘you' and ‘ah'.
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What causes stuttering?
The exact cause of stuttering is unknown. It is thought that stuttering may be related to the brain functions that regulate speech production.
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Who can develop stuttering?
- stuttering can run in families; if a parent or relative stutters, a child has a higher chance of stuttering than someone whose parents or relatives do not
- stuttering is more common in boys
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When should I be concerned?Many children go through a period of stuttering. This often occurs between the ages of two and five years, when their language is rapidly developing and they have a lot to say. They are beginning to talk more like an adult but are not quite ready to do so. The onset of stuttering may be sudden or gradual and is a stage that most children will move through without any cause for concern. However, there are times when you should seek help for your child's stuttering or dysfluency. See When should I seek help?
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What are some factors which can affect stuttering?Stuttering can vary in severity over time, and even throughout a day. A child who stutters may stutter more:
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when talking about a new topic
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if using complicated language
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when excited, tired, or under stress
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if given limited time to speak
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if competing to be heard
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if speaking to someone new
Some children who stutter may feel anxious talking. They may avoid speaking in particular situations (for example, on the phone), using certain words, or speaking with some people.
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Some strategies to help fluency
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follow your child's lead in play and conversation
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speak more slowly yourself
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increase pauses - give your child time to respond
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try not to ask your child too many questions
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use short, simple sentences
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maintain eye contact
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do not interrupt your child or finish sentences for them
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discourage others from teasing or laughing at your child
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praise your child for fluent speech; for example, “Wow, that was really smooth talking - well done!” Back to Top
When should I seek help?You should discuss your child's stuttering / dysfluency with your GP (general practitioner) or a speech-language therapist if:
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there is a family history of stuttering
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your child shows signs of struggle when trying to get the words out; for example, stamping feet, grimacing
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stuttering lasts for longer than two months
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your child shows signs of anxiety or frustration about speech
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the length of each block, hesitation or repetition is more than just a fleeting moment
Speech language therapists are trained to assess and treat stuttering. A speech-language therapist will:
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Where to go for more information about stuttering / dysfluencyOn this website (related fact sheets)
Speech sound development
Language development: 0 - three years of age
Language development: four to five years of age
Encouraging language development
Using language socially - an important skill
Voice
Originally written for early childhood professionals, this booklet may be of interest to parents and caregivers who want more detailed information. The booklet was published by the Ministry of Education, Special Education in 2000.
Plunket
If you are concerned about your child's language or speech development, or stuttering, you could discuss your concerns with your Plunket nurse (or other Well Child provider - see the Well Child / Tamariki Ora services for under fives fact sheet on this website). For your local Plunket office or Plunket Karitane Family Centre, check the Plunket website1or look under Plunket in your phone book. Plunket also offers a specialist early childhood health telephone help service. It is available to all families, whanau and caregivers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call PlunketLine free on 0800 933 922.
Postal address: PO Box 5474, Wellington 6145
National office phone: 64 4 471 0177
National office fax: 64 4 471 0190
Speech Language Therapists
Speech language therapists are employed in the Ministry of Education, special schools, hospitals, and in private practice. To find a speech language therapist, you can:
Speakeasy - New Zealand Speak Easy Association Inc. A support group for people who stutter.
START (Stuttering Treatment and Research Trust)
START is a registered Trust established to provide a comprehensive assessment and treatment service for children and adults who stutter. START is staffed by speech language therapists who have specific training in working with people who stutter and who are members of the New Zealand Speech Language Therapy Association. While START only offers assessment and treatment services in Auckland, their website has nationally relevant information, including the following:
Address: 541 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
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AcknowledgementsThis fact sheet has been produced in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Special Education and adapted from:
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Links (these are the web addresses for the numbered links in the text above) Back to Top
Your notes
Endorsement
This fact sheet was endorsed by PSNZ - 27/06/2009
Copyright
Fact sheets are subject to copyright. In the interests of information sharing they may be copied but acknowledgement must be given to PSNZ and Starship Foundation.
© The Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Starship Foundation 2005 - 2010
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