C&FD speech therapy

As your child begins to use more complex language, you may notice an increase in dysfluent speech patterns. Preschool-aged children will go through periods of time of what is called normal dysfluencies. Dysfluencies that are common for this age are:
1)      revisions: children revise what they have just said
2)      interjections: um, uh, like, etc.
3)      word repetitions: the-the
4)      phrase repetitions: the dog-the dog

As you child nears school age, these dysfluencies should be less frequent. Below is a list of warning signs which may signify a true dysfluency.
1)      frequent sound repetition: d-d-dog
2)      frequent syllable repetition: do-do-dog
3)      syllable repetition in which the vowel “uh” replaces the correct vowel in the word (i.e. “cuh-cuh-cat” rather than “ca-ca-cat”)
4)      frequent prolongation that becomes longer in duration (i.e. “mmmmmmy” rather than “my”)
5)      secondary characteristics: distracting sounds, facial grimaces, head movements, movements of the extremities
6)      tension and struggled behavior while attempting to get out words
7)      avoidance in saying certain words
8)      a look of fear when trying to say the word
9)      stutters for 6 months or longer
10)     stutters for more than 10% of speech

If you notice any of the above behaviors, here are some general rules to follow:
1)      do not rush the child when they are speaking
2)      do not interrupt the child 
3)      do not talk about the child’s stuttering in front of them
4)      do not ask questions and pressure the child to speak
5)      do speak in a slower, more relaxed voice around your child 
6)      avoid telling your child to slow down, take it easy or repeat without stuttering
7)      relieve tensions in the home
8)      reassure your child with comments, such as “It’s ok. Many people get stuck.”
9)      avoid finishing your child’s words or sentences
10)     ensure that your child is getting proper rest and diet


If you think your child may have a stuttering disorder, please contact your local speech-language pathologist.

**Information taken from pro-ed (If you think your child stutters) and Disfluent Speech Behavior in Children, by Daniel DeJoy, Ph.D.