Toddler stuttering

I've noticed that Jack (almost 2 1/2) has started to stutter a little. I've been reading online and it could be just normal speech development, but I was wondering if anyone else's toddler does this and if they have gotten them evaluated by a speech pathologist. A lot of words come out just fine, but others he struggles to get out. Anyone?

Re: Toddler stuttering

You know, I've noticed this in Michael lately. I have heard about this in the past and it's pretty common. They have so many thoughts going on in their minds that they can't get their words out quick enough. I'm not concerned over it, but I have noticed a little bit of it. And Michael is 2 months shy of 2 and a 1/2.

Re: Toddler stuttering

My son did that... it was like his brain was thinking of the words faster than his mouth could get them out... eventually one day he just stopped stuttering.. I was told it was a very normal part of speech development

ETA- I was also told that I shouldn't make a big deal out of it or try to point out his stuttering because it would make him too self-conscious of it... just be patient and listen

Message edited 3/30/2007 6:25:26 PM.

Re: Toddler stuttering

Exactly. The two above posters are right, totally normal as they think faster than they can get it out. My nearly 3 year old is going through it. WE did have him evaluated by a speech therapist last summer (unrelated to this) and he passed with flying colors. We were told its normal.

Re: Toddler stuttering

Stuttering is totally normal in very young children and usually resolves on it's own. Most kids are blissfully unaware of it- and that's GOOD. DON'T draw attention to it- and let DC finish his/her sentences. The less they are aware of it, the better.

If your child begins to show frustration because of it, then have him/her evaluated.

Re: Toddler stuttering

I'm a speech pathologist. It's totally normal this age.

Stuttering type behaviors that are normal at this age are:
repeating whole words or phrases
revising
using fillers (um, uh, etc).

Some behaviors to watch for that are atypical and could be signs of a true stuttering problems are:
part word repetitions (b-b-b-boy)
prolongations (mmmmmmilk)
blocks (mouth ready to produce the sound, but no sound comes out)
signs of stuggle, frustration, or tension when speaking
secondary behaviors such as blinking or head jerks

Most likely what you are seeing is normal dysfluencies that occur at this age and will go away on their own. But there are still some things that you can do to help your child speak more easily. Model slow easy speech when you are talking. Try to keep your interactions unrushed and don't interrupt. Don't draw attention to his speech or try to correct him. Always allow him to finish what he says. Don't finish his sentences for him. After he says something, pause before you respond. It provides a good model for him showing him that he can think about what he's about to say before he says it. Try to not to ask as many direct questions that put pressure on him to respond--so instead of asking What did you eat for lunch? you could say I wonder what you ate for lunch. Or you could even say I had a sandwich for lunch and he might then tell you what he ate. Use more commenting rather than questioning. I could go on and on, but basically don't directly address his speech or verbally remind him to slow down or start over, etc. Just try some of the things I mentioned above. He's probably totally unaware of the normal stuttering like behaviors. If he does seem frustrated or you notice any of the behaviors that are atypical then I'd talk to a speech pathologist, but otherwise don't worry it's completely normal! FM me if you have any questions!

Re: Toddler stuttering