Stuttering 3 Year Old, New Twist

A.,
If I was you I would take him to the doctor and have him tested. The doctor might tell you to wait a little, if that is okay with you then you wait a little longer. But don't just wait because he/she says so. If you are planning in putting him in daycare or pre-k it would be beneficial to have him tested soon. My son had speech problems and wasn't tested until he was 5 years old and was in speech up to the second grade.
So, please have him tested as soon as possible. The earlier the better for him to get treated.

I think it's fairly common for kids to have more trouble starting their sentences than finishing them. He might be still trying to organize his thoughts or find the right word. I think it would be worth taking him to a speech and language pathologist for an assessment. Even if he doesn't qualify for therapy they often give you ideas to use at home to help him. If he does qualify for therapy then the sooner he gets it the better. Kids who get therapy early often don't need it later (in the school years).

Hi I am studying to be a speech language pathologist and my current lecture is on stuttering: It is quite lengthy, but I could email it if you would be interested in the info! If so please let me know your email. I would definitely have him screened by a slp! B.

I would have him evaluated by a speech pathologist. just to be sure...

My son started suttering at about age 3 and he is now 5.5 and still studders at times (but more when he's excited or wants to ask me a question and already knows the answer is going to be no). We ignore it and 95% of the time, he's fine. He may be more intuned to the fact that he's having issues getting started and therefore it's getting worse. Don't stress about it, if anything, tell him to just take a breath and then say what he wants to say. Seems to work with my little guy. No one every makes fun of him or brings it up or asks him why (we were told by doing that, it will only make him more nervous).

Hi A.,

My son had speech issues that were identified at 3 1/2. It was more pronouncing sounds and lisping. Your local elementary school can assist you in determining whether or not he needs intervention. They will set up an appointment and have him evaluated.

After my son was diagnosed, he was enrolled in a speech preschool that was a couple hours, twice a week. It was fun for him and he really enjoyed it. Once he reached Kinder, he went into speech at school. He stopped therapy at the end of second grade. Today he is in sixth grade and is a pro at speaking in front of the school for its leadership program.

At the time, I was very worried about teasing. I cannot tell you enough how positive his experience in the speech program was. The only teasing incident I can remember was at a friend's birthday party where an older child made fun of him. I witnessed it but so did the boy's dad. I am pretty sure that child has not made fun of many since. His dad was pretty ticked off. The teachers I spoke with said that most students are envious of those who go to speech. This seemed to be the case. :)

Perhaps your son's stuttering is part of his normal development. I know many little people's mouths can't catch up to the jumble of words swirling around in their brains. However, for your peace of mind, it might be worth it to check it out. In California all these services were free. Hopefully your state will have the same programs.

Good luck and try not to worry. I sometimes miss my little lisper and think back and smile.

C.

Hi A.,

My youngest had difficulty getting her thoughts together but she was so hyper we didn't think it was a problem until she was diagnosed with ADHD. We actually detoxed our home and removed the chemicals (which are all neurological toxins) and her problem, as well as her diagnosis, went away. It may not be completely a toxicity problem for your son but most homes are more dangerous than the schools that kids go to. Stay at home moms have a 54% higher risk of cancer than moms who work outside the home. I believe it's because of the chemicals.

If it's not this, then at least the added stimuli has been removed so a proper diagnosis can be made if you have him tested.

Hope I helped!

M.