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Stuttering in Preschoolers Some repeating of words is common as a child learns to speak. There are factors that make life-long stuttering more likely. Family and speech-language therapists can help. What is stuttering? Stuttering is a disorder with breaks in the flow of speech, because the muscles used for talking tighten up. It can include: • Repeated syllables or short words, e.g., “I-I-I-I want it.” • Prolonged sounds, e.g., “Ssssssssometimes.” • Blocks or tense pauses where no sound is heard, e.g., “Wh----at do you think?” While stuttering, kids may also look away, blink, tighten their faces or move their arms or legs. What causes Research indicates that children are born with differences in their brains stuttering? that make it more likely they will stutter. Stuttering happens when your child’s neurological system is overwhelmed. Stuttering can start slowly over time or appear suddenly. Stuttering is not your child’s fault. Many factors influence stuttering and speaking without a stutter (fluency). Some factors that support your child’s communication make stuttering less likely. Other factors that place demands on their communication make it more likely. For example, parents can influence the environment the child lives in, but research has shown that parents do not cause their child’s stuttering. Factors can include things inside (internal to) and outside (external to) your child. Internal Factors Genetics 6 out of 10 people who stutter have family members who stutter. Language processing People who stutter process language differently. For example, they use both sides of the brain for talking rather than 1. Brain structure MRI studies of people who stutter have shown differences in the area under the brain’s outer layer (the cortex). This part controls the movement of the tongue, lips and voice box (larynx). 1 of 4 To Learn More Free Interpreter Services • Speech and Language • In the hospital, ask your nurse. 206-987-2104 • From outside the hospital, call the • Ask your child’s healthcare provider toll-free Family Interpreting Line, 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter • seattlechildrens.org the name or extension you need. Stuttering in Preschoolers Language development Children whose language skills are much higher than their motor speech skills are more likely to stutter. Speech and language Children who have difficulty: disorders • coordinating their tongue, lips and jaw to say sounds accurately; • starting and maintaining conversations; • with nonverbal skills; • talking with others; or • organizing language are more likely to stutter. Gender Boys are more likely to continue to stutter than girls. The likelihood of continuing to stutter is close to the same for boys and girls in families where another family member stutters. Your child’s disposition Being sensitive, reactive, inflexible, shy or anxious have been linked to stuttering. Thinking you have to be perfect or having attention issues are also risk factors. External Factors Environment Though parents do not cause stuttering, fast-paced schedules, quick interactions, siblings who compete for talk time and high expectations can contribute to stuttering. Reactions Negative reactions to stuttering both from the child or parents are unhelpful. Routines Lack of routines, inconsistent sleep, and behavior problems can increase the chances of stuttering. Does my child Most children recover without therapy, but about 1 out of 10 kids will stutter need speech- as adults. Children who have been stuttering for several years or who are older than 5 are likely to keep stuttering. Severe stuttering or starting to language therapy? stutter very suddenly are not signs children will keep stuttering. Speech and language pathologists look at the factors listed above to decide if stuttering therapy would be helpful to your child. If you have concerns about your child’s stuttering, talk with your child’s doctor or contact a speech and language clinic. You can call Seattle Children’s Speech and Language Services at 206-987-2104. 2 of 4 Stuttering in Preschoolers What can I do to help my child? Listen and give them • Listen without being distracted while your child is talking, which can your attention include looking your child in the eyes as appropriate. • Don’t rush your child. Let your child know that they have your full attention for as long as they need. Time pressures increase stuttering. • Let your child know you are listening to what they say and not how they say it. Respond to stuttering • Respond to stuttering with patience, acceptance and love. in a good way • Praise your child’s talking, and be specific, e.g., “I love to hear all of your amazing ideas. You are so creative,” or “That was really interesting. Tell me more about your day.” • Parents are often told not to draw attention to the stuttering, but talking in an open, matter-of-fact way about stuttering helps educate your child. This will hopefully prevent your child from feeling shame about stuttering. • Avoid phrases like, "Slow down," or "Stop, and say it again slowly." This kind of feedback often makes children tenser. Tension can lead to more stuttering. Model good speaking • Speak slowly, and your child will often match your rate of speech. • Point out when you misspeak, and say, "I mixed up my words. That’s OK. No one speaks perfectly." • Repeat or rephrase what your child says, modeling a slow, easy way of talking. Model good • Start conversations by commenting instead of asking questions. This has conversations been found to help reduce stuttering. For example, say, "We did so many fun things today," and pause to see if your child will begin telling about the day instead of saying, "What did we do today?" • At home, encourage everyone to take turns talking and listening as much as possible. Competing for time can increase stuttering. Allow time for talking • Try fewer activities in a day if you find there is not enough time to allow your child to talk without rushing. • Have 5- to 10-minute talking times every day when you create a calm, organized environment to play with your child. Provide space to talk more smoothly. Give your undivided attention and model slow, smooth talking. This may allow your child to talk without being hurried. 3 of 4 Stuttering in Preschoolers Resources The Stuttering Foundation of America Helpful information, videos, and other resources regarding stuttering. stutteringhelp.org The National Stuttering Association Offers help with insurance coverage and helps kids connect with support groups in their area. westutter.org The Stuttering Home Page Information for parents and professionals. stutteringhomepage.com The American Speech-Language and Hearing Association The speech-language pathologist association offers basic information on stuttering as well as helping parents connect with local speech-language pathologists. asha.org FRIENDS: The National Association of Young People Who Stutter Empowers kids and connects them with other kids who stutter. friendswhostutter.org Seattle Children’s offers interpreter services for Deaf, hard of hearing or non-English speaking patients, family members and legal representatives free of charge. Seattle Children’s will make this information available in alternate formats upon request. Call the 11/20 Family Resource Center at 206-987-2201. This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Seattle Children’s. However, your child’s PE1857 needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon this information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider. © 2020 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Washington. All rights reserved. Patient and Family Education | Speech and Language 4 of 4 .

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