Stuttering - Tampa,FL

My son began stuttering at about the same age, and was also very verbal. The pediatrician explained it as the brain moving faster than the mouth can at that stage of development. We just ignored it and waited patiently for him to finish what he was saying. I also teach with a speech therapist who works with preschoolers, so of course I asked her too! She said it was common at that age and to keep doing what we were doing. The stuttering faded away after about three or four months. I would still mention it to the pediatritian to be safe, as we didn't have a family history - but I don't think the specialists even look at a child this age unless it has gone on more than six months (at least according to the speech therapist).
Hope this helps a little.
M.

Do any of the relatives stutter now? She could just be copying someone. Or there could be a medical reason. Has she been sick lately? My Dad spoke two languages fluently when he was two and then got scarlet fever and after that he stuttered and could only speak english. Sorry can't help further.

From John Rosemond's Parent power.: I will copy what the book says on the subject

in the 3 yr old section it talks about kids seeming to become more Klutzy, where they once were very stable. chidren after the 3rd birthday may seem to trip and fall more often, they may drop and spill things, stutter, walk into walls. this physical and verbal awkwardness arises because the 3 yr old is trying to orchestrate thought, language, and movement. Up until this time, the child focused on each of these developmental areas in relative isolation from the other two. Now, he or she is putting them together in a coordinated system.

Whereas before children concentrate separately on learning to walk and to talk, they now try to walk and talk at the same time. This example, while oversimplified, expresses the essential character of this stage in a child's growth. it is a time of reorganization and integration, and at first the pieces don't work as well together as they did individually.

Unfortunately, parents often react as though the child has suddenly developed a problem. they become anxious, lose patience, and try to help overcome the difficulties. this makes a problem where there was none. the parents' anxiety tells the child something is wrong, and minor difficulties become traps. this is particularly true in the case of stuttering.

the general rule is, have patience and be supportive. if your daughter spills her milk for the 13Th time in 12 days, instead of blasting her self esteem (what's the matter with you? why can't you do something as simple as hold a cup? ) say something like "uh-oh. here, take this rag and help me clean up. I remember spilling my milk when I was 3 yrs old too")

stuttering can usually be prevented if parents take the time to listen and show interest in what the child is trying to say. if your son/daughter starts stuttering, her is what NOT to do:

Don't complete his sentences for him.

Don't say things like "slow down" or "take a deep breath and start over"

Don't discuss his stuttering when he can hear you

don't interrupt him or tell him to come back when he is calm and can talk "better"

talk slowly to children who stutter. if they have trouble telling you something, ask questions they can answer in 3 words or less. if they complain about stuttering, let them know that sometimes even big people have trouble talking.


that is everything it says. I hope it helps.

J.
My 3yr old went through it 6 months ago. His speech was already a bit behind so when the studdering began I was very concerned. I was patient and didn't make a big issue of it and yes it did correct itself. Their little brains are learning so much I think sometimes its just on overload. If you are still worried talk to your doctor about it.

My daughter was ahead with her speech and started stuttering at 2.5 years as well, and we too were concerned because of family history (her Dad stuttered until middle school). At a Pediatrician apt for my son, I asked the doctor and I was told that it’s normal for children to stutter because they’re learning so many new words, their brains work faster than their mouths can speak. But after a few weeks, she stopped stuttering as quick as it started. Then at 3 yrs, it started again, but it stopped, and we noticed something – after her stuttering phases, her vocabulary expanded in huge amounts. A couple months later, she started with the stuttering again, and when she stopped stuttering about 3 weeks later, her sentences and reasoning (putting abstract things together) were blowing us away.

My advise to you would be to just watch what happens – she may stop within a few weeks and have a new, more evolved vocabulary. Watching children grow and develop is so fascinating!

~J.

I agree with Melissa. My daughters both stuttered when they were young, we ignored it, and they grew out of it. My friend's daughter did the same thing at the same time, so it was comforting to know it was just a stage.

Dear J.,
Sometimes stuttering in one so young can just be a sign that they have an awful lot to say and want to say it so fast. If you, when she begins to talk, get down at her level, look her square in the eye and get her to slow down and tell you slowly. It may help her to collect her thoughts and it will let her know that you are listening and in no rush to get through the conversation. Sometimes little ones see how rushed mommy is and need to express themselves before mommy gets busy again, this maybe part of it. However, if it continues to be a problem you should talk with her pediatritian. The school system offers speech therapists if your pediatrician thinks this is going to be something of concern.

K.

Hi J.,
My 3 year old has a slight speech issue.
I am now taking her for speech therapy at Lemon tree on Tampa rd. in Oldsmar. I asked today and was told that they do specialize in stuttering. I would jump on this if I was you - there is a little girl in my 8 year old daughters class who stutters and it is a huge social handicap for this poor girl. At this young age you can probably make a painless change before this gets ingrained in her.
Best of luck!!!
Robyn