Stuttering
Problems usually become apparent while your child is still learning to speak, between the ages of two and five.
As a child gets older and becomes more aware of their stammering, they may also change their behaviour in certain ways to hide their speech difficulties.
Stammering may develop gradually, although it often starts suddenly in a child who has previously been talking well.
Stammering can involve:
Stammering is also more likely when a young child has a lot to say, is excited, saying something important to them, or wants to ask a question.
Stammering can be worse in situations where the child is self-conscious about their speech and so may be trying hard not to stammer.
These situations might include:
A child who stammerscan alsodevelop involuntary movements like eye blinking, quivering lips, grimacing, tapping the fingers or stamping the feet.
They may also:
If you have concerns about your child's speech or language development, talk to your GP, health visitor, or a speech and language therapist.
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Stammering or stuttering is a relatively common speech problem in childhood, but can also persist into adulthood.
Find out how stammering can affect you. As well as the obvious verbal signs, your child may also display a number of associated behaviours, such as involuntary movements.
Find out how stammering is treated. There are many different treatments available for stammering, depending on a person's age and their individual circumstances.