Toddlers may sometimes encounter pauses in speech and some levels of disfluencies while speaking, which is a normal aspect of developing communication skills. However, stuttering in toddlers is a phenomenon that could cause concern among many parents. Also, stuttering may last for longer durations in some children and could hamper their social and interactive abilities. Continue reading this post as we tell you about the possible causes of a toddler’s stuttering and ways to treat the condition.
What Is Stuttering?
Stuttering is the disfluency of speech caused by repeated use of syllables, words, and sounds (1). Since the toddler repeats words or phrases, stuttering leads to a chronic break in speech.
How Common Is Stuttering Among Toddlers?
According to the US National Institute of Health, about one in 20 children develop stuttering. The probability of stuttering is the highest between the ages two and five years. Stuttering is also more common in boys than girls.
Can Stuttering Happen Suddenly?
Yes. Stuttering can happen suddenly. A toddler, who did not stutter before, may develop it overnight (2). It can also build up gradually.
What Causes Stuttering In Toddlers?
Stuttering can be due to (3): If your toddler is positive to any of the above causes, then look out for any signs of stuttering because the first signs of stuttering can emerge between the age of 18 and 24 months (4).
What Are The Symptoms Of Stuttering?
Following are the symptoms of stuttering (5):
Repetition of phrases and sounds: Example, “I want my t-t-toys!”, “The tree has a ne-ne-nest.”
Prolongation of sounds: Example, “The tortoise walks sssslow.”
Blank moments while talking: There are going to be repeated blocks. When speaking a sentence, a toddler would pause awkwardly, because of their inability to speak comfortably further.
Collateral traits: A stuttering toddler may often twitch their lips, move their jaw awkwardly, or blink repeatedly.
Frustration and anxiety while speaking: Since the toddler is unable to communicate their feelings properly, they associate speaking with frustration and annoyance.
Some parents may feel that the symptoms mentioned above are normal during speech development of the toddler. However, a stuttering toddler’s speech differs from a disfluent one’s.
How To Differentiate Stuttering From Normal Disfluency?
Here is how you can distinguish stuttering from normal disfluency (6). If you are unable to differentiate the symptoms or suspect a problem with your toddler’s speech, consult a doctor.
When To Visit A Doctor For A Toddler’s Stuttering?
Do not wait if you suspect that your child is stuttering. Depending on the toddler’s condition, a pediatrician may refer you to a pediatric speech-language pathologist. An analysis by the pathologist can help diagnose the toddler’s stuttering problem.
How Is Stuttering In Toddlers Diagnosed?
A speech-language therapist will use the following procedures to diagnose stuttering in toddlers (7):
How Is Stuttering In Toddlers Treated?
Basic speech changes and long-term therapy are used to rectify stuttering. The treatment is a systematic approach involving a combination of therapeutic procedures and language modification and varies as per the severity of the toddler’s stuttering. The two salient steps include (5): The treatment is a systematic approach involving a combination of therapeutic procedures and language modification and varies as per the severity of the toddler’s stuttering.
How Can Parents Help A Toddler Who Stutters?
Parents can play a crucial role in toning down the intensity of a toddler’s stutter. Here is how:
Speak to the toddler calmly. Use a slow and relaxed speech to communicate with your toddler; use pauses when you talk. Use shorter sentences that seem less demanding of an answer (“So you had fun at the park!”) instead of questions (“So what did you do in the park today?”). Image: Shutterstock
Rely on facial expressions and body language. If a nod or wave of the hand can do the work, then avoid using words. It can help cut down the number of stuttering triggers for a toddler.
Have patience. When your toddler stutters, do not ask them to complete the sentence quickly or interrupt to complete the word they are struggling to pronounce. Also, do not tell the toddler to slow their speed of talking. A toddler may perceive stuttering to be wrong, which in turn could increase stress.
Do not let the toddler feel conscious about stuttering. Avoid pointing out to stutter. It can hurt the little one’s self-confidence and deter them from sharing their feelings. Tell your toddler that stuttering should not limit them. Older toddlers may seem frustrated to communicate with their peers. Encourage them to talk to their friends more, regardless of their stutter. Helping the toddler cope with the condition every day also aids the speech therapy that they are undergoing.
How To Prevent Stuttering In Toddlers?
There is no way to prevent stuttering in toddlers since it is caused by reasons that are not entirely understood (8). Ensuring that you stay alert to the shortcomings in your toddler’s speech is the best way to help your toddler overcome it.
struggle to talk or have facial tension avoid situations where they have to talk avoid saying certain sounds or words
