Stuttering in Toddlers: A Brief Overview

Stuttering in toddlers is not uncommon as children are learning to talk and form words. While often disheartening for the parents, children will likely outgrow the stuttering and will go on to have perfectly normal speech. Children often repeat particular sounds, fumble or mispronounce words, and even hesitate between words during these formative years in their speech development. This normal stage of stuttering is referred to as pseudo stuttering and generally causes no speech problems later in life.

Although stuttering in toddlers is quite typical, it is important for parents to follow some simple guidelines to ensure that the stuttering does not affect the child's self esteem. Parents should never let the child know that the stuttering is concerning. Speaking clearly and enunciating your words when speaking can lessen stuttering in toddlers and help them to say the words properly. Slowly speaking to your toddler will also help him to mimic your speech pattern, essentially teaching them how to speak correctly. If your child hesitates on a word, allow him time to say it. Let him take his time and do not correct him if he messes it up. This will only discourage him and show him your dissatisfaction with his speech. Stuttering in toddlers can also be curbed by talking to your child a lot, narrating the tasks you are doing, and reading plenty of books.

The exact cause of stuttering in toddlers in not known, however, it is believed to be more common in boys and to also be genetic. Stresses such as moving, a new sibling being born or a new day care are also possible causes of stuttering in toddlers.

Pseudo stuttering in toddlers is much more common than true stuttering. Toddlers with a true stuttering problem will likely have extended repetition of certain sounds, short words or syllables. True stuttering in toddlers will come and go, just as with pseudo stuttering, but will happen more frequently. Kids with true stuttering will more than likely being to notice the problem and become embarrassed by it.

Generally speaking, if the stuttering in toddlers does not continue for more than a six month period, there is likely nothing to be concerned about. Of course, mentioning the stuttering to your pediatrician may still be a good idea to prevent any further speech impediments in the unlikely event that there is a true stuttering problem. Overall, however, stuttering in toddlers is a normal phase in their language and speech development and as the child progresses will more than likely cause no problems.