Child Started Studdering

Hi N.,

It's so funny that you should ask about this because I was just reading a book from Focus on the Family regarding child development from birth through teens (I was specifically reading the 3-4 year old section for my preschooler) and it mentioned that it is a normal thing for a 4 year old to begin stuttering and that it would pass. I believe that the book said to keep an eye on it, but there's no need to see a specialist as long as it goes away in a couple of years! Just my thoughts!

D.

What a great Mom you are to be so on top of this- and yes, you should get some support =-- the easiest thing is to call your local elementary school or the school district you live in--- ( they may not answer the phones until August) --- tell them that your son is stuttering and is being distressed by it -- they will set up an appt to see him and if needed- will have a speech therapist work with him - or even refer him to preschool --this service is available to ANY child from birth to 5 --- who is having any kind of problem - it is free, and will set your little boy up to really enjoy Kindergarten --- do call--- .

Blessings,
J.
aka- Old Mom

N.,

My son did this when we started pushing him too hard to say hello to strangers. When we backed off, and allowed him to be shy if he wanted the stutters disappeared nearly overnight.

I'd check his daily routine and what you and your husband are pushing/encouraging him to do in all situations. You may find the culprit that way.

Hope this helps,
Melissa

My son did the same thing at age 4, not only with the beginning of words but also with the first few words of a sentence. It lasted for quite a while, but he eventually grew out of it. I think the best thing to do is stay patient while he is processing his thoughts and trying to get them out. I would just tell my son, "It's okay," then wait for him to finish without any pressure to hurry. I wouldn't worry about it yet, but if you are really concerned you can get him evaluated for free through Child Find (through your school district).

My son went through this, I freaked. Talked to peditrician and she told me not to worry right away, its a common phase that some kids go through. Brain is processing so much so fast and they just cant get it out as fast as the brain process so it causes them to studder.
It lasted about 4 or 5 months, then was gone. Not sure how it all works out or why it just stops.

But I would consult your ped, and see if she would recommend speach therapy, because there are lots of reasons for stuttering, mine just happened to be a phase.

If you live in Washington State you can get speech therapy for your child from the local school district. Try having your son sing the word rather than slowing the word down. Carly Simon the singer had a terrible stutter when she was young. Her mother had her sing instead of talk. It solved Carly's problem.

If you need a referral for a speech therapist, push your pediatrician to give you. A speech therapist is the person your son needs to see, sooner rather than later. My son has had speech therapy for over 8 years in public schools, he just graduated. He's learned how to slow down and other techniques to help minimize the stuttering. I have a great uncle who stuttered, so I believe there's a genetic predisposition. If you have KidSpeak in your area, I suggest you contact them. It might be called Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders. These folks are angels on earth. My oldest son was a client from the time he was 18 mo old until he was 4. He had no language skills and we were told by another provider that he probably wouldn't be able to have verbal skills of any fluency until he was 12-15 yrs old. By 4, he you would have thought he was injected with a phonograph needle. He talks, and talks and speaks French, Arabic and is a jr in college. So seek them out or another speech therapy organization. Because KidSpeak is part of the Scottish Rite/Mason/Shriner's organization their services are no/low cost. No child is denied services. I wish your son well!!!

I understand that it is perfectly normal, especially in boys and they will outgrow it.

I believe I read about stuttering in the What to Expect Toddler Years...., but I have seen it in a couple of different professionally written books on kids.

Good luck,
D.

Hi N.: No, it is not normal to be stuttering. My son studdered and we got him into speech therapy right away, and it took care of it, but the sooner you can do that, the better. I currewntly am taking my grandson to speech therapy at D'onofrio and Associates in the Hollywood district and they are terrific. They have a brochure there about stuttering. Erica is a wonderful therapist there and you might call for a consultation. But I would urge you to get on this ASAP. I hope this helps.
Martha Greene

Hi N. - Have you had his hearing checked or had an exam by an ENT? Let your pediatrician know what is going on. I see that you are in Spokane. One of the best ENTs in Spokane for kids is Dr Olds at Spokane ENT http://spokaneearnoseandthroat.com/. They also have a very up to date audiology department and SLPs that they work with in the same building. I would suggest to call & talk to one of their staff and share with them what is going on with your son & then they can make some recommendations. Yes he might grow out of it but if it is being caused by something else then the earlier the better in figuring it out. My youngest started SLP services when he was 18 months and still needs it but his speech & language are getting better (he has had ear surgery too). Just take one step at a time & it will get better. For accessing services through the schools you will need to have a good evaluation and using a good audiologist & ENT is better than what the schools have. Take Care & God Bless