Does My Child Have Childhood-Onset Fluency Disorder (Stuttering)?

Does your child frequently repeat sounds and syllables, which is inappropriate for the child’s age and language skills, and does it persist over time?

Does your child frequently prolong the sound of consonants and vowels, which is inappropriate for the child’s age and language skills, and does it persist over time?

Does your child frequently use broken words (e.g., pauses within a word), which is inappropriate for the child’s age and language skills, and does it persist over time?

Does your child frequently use audible or silent blocking (filled or unfilled pauses in speech), which is inappropriate for the child’s age and language skills, and does it persist over time?

Does your child frequently use circumlocutions (word substitutions to avoid problematic words), which is inappropriate for the child’s age and language skills, and does it persist over time?

Does your child frequently produce words with an excess of physical tension, which is inappropriate for the child’s age and language skills, and does it persist over time?

Does your child frequently produce monosyllabic whole-word repetitions (e.g., “I-I-I-I see him”), which is inappropriate for the child’s age and language skills, and does it persist over time?

Does the disturbance cause anxiety about speaking or limitations in effective communication, social participation, and/or academic or occupational performance?

Did the symptoms start in the early developmental period?

Can you confirm that the disturbance is not attributable to a speech-motor or sensory deficit, dysfluency associated with neurological insult (e.g., stroke, tumor, trauma), or another medical condition and is not better explained by another mental disorder?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that your child has childhood-onset fluency disorder (stuttering).

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that your child has childhood-onset fluency disorder (stuttering). Between the age 2 and 5 it is normal for children to go through periods when they may stutter. Usually this is part of the process of learning how to speak. However, if stuttering persists, it may be important to seek medical attention for your child.

Unfortunately, your child is displaying (some) symptoms typically seen among individuals who have childhood-onset fluency disorder (stuttering). It may be important to seek medical attention. Your doctor will observe the child speaking in various situations, and he may ask questions to the parents. After a thorough evaluation, the doctor may decide that treatment is necessary. If stuttering is not treated, it can lead to anxiety about speaking, avoiding speaking, being teased, and low self-esteem. Treatment may help your child to improve speech fluency and to participate in school and other activities just like the other kids.