Stuttering

Stuttering is a speech disorder in which sounds, syllables, or words are repeated or last longer than normal. These problems cause a break in the flow of speech (called disfluency).

Outlook (Prognosis)

In most children who stutter, the phase passes and speech returns to normal within 3 or 4 years. Stuttering that begins after a child is 8 - 10 years old is more likely to last into adulthood.

Possible Complications

Possible complications of stuttering include social problems caused by the fear of ridicule, which may make a child avoid speaking entirely.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your provider if:

Stuttering is interfering with your child's school work or emotional development
The child seems anxious or embarrassed about speaking
The symptoms last for more than 3 - 6 months

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent stuttering.

Alternative Names

Children and stuttering; Speech disfluency; Stammering