An article on this topic is available in this issue of AFP.

Stuttering: What You Should Know

What is stuttering?

Stuttering is a speech problem that makes it hard to say certain words or sounds. People who stutter may repeat sounds, words, or parts of words. They may also pause longer than normal between sounds and words. They may blink their eyes, jerk their jaw, or move their head when they stutter.

Who gets it?

Anyone can stutter, but it usually happens in young children who are learning to talk. Most children stop stuttering before they become adults.

How do I know if my child stutters?

Parents usually notice a problem with the way their child speaks. Sometimes the child's doctor notices a problem during a visit. Your doctor can tell you if it will probably go away on its own or if it needs to be treated.

How is it treated?

There is no cure for stuttering, but there are treatments to help your child speak better. Even if your child's stuttering isn't very bad, your doctor may want to treat your child so that it doesn't get worse. You may need to bring your child to a speech specialist for therapy.

Your doctor can also give you ideas on how you can help your child speak better (for example, don't speak quickly or interrupt your child).

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor

American Academy of Family Physicians
Web site: http://familydoctor.org

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Web site: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/stuttering.htm

British Stammering Association
Web site: http://www.stammering.org

National Center for Stuttering
Web site: http://www.stuttering.com

Stuttering Foundation of America
Web site: http://www.stutteringhelp.org

May 2008