For many children, the combination of having a lot to say and an inability to get a clear message across leads to what is known as developmental stuttering.
Developmental stuttering often sounds like a child is repeating a whole word. For example if a child wants to say “We go store,” it might start out “We, we, we, we go store.” Children at this age and stage seem unaware of disfluency. Developmental stuttering usually appears and disappears before age 3.
Stuttering becomes cause for concern when there is a familial history of stuttering, when the child has other speech and language difficulties, and when the child is showing signs of frustration in his attempts to speak. Facial grimacing, tension around the mouth, and rapid body movements which are unrelated to speaking are known as secondary characteristics. The presence of secondary characteristics should prompt an immediate referral to a speech-language pathologist.
Modeling good communication techniques is a good idea for any developing child. Your speech should be slow and deliberate, but not stilted, especially when talking with your child. Listening with eye contact is extremely important in making a child feel secure enough to develop better communication skills. Take time each day to listen without distraction and without rushing your child. If your child expresses frustration with communication, reassure her that everyone has trouble talking sometimes.
