Fluency (Stuttering)

Stuttering is a communication disorder that occurs when the normal flow of speech is disrupted.

Types of stuttering include part-word repetitions (I w-w-w-want to go), whole-word repetitions (I see-see-see a dog), sound prolongations (Ssssssstay at my house), or blocks (I love [pause] reading). Children who stutter may also exhibit secondary characteristics such as eye blinking, head movements, foot tapping, neck tension, etc.

Stuttering usually begins between 2-6 years of age. Some children between these ages go through a period of normal dysfluency that lasts less than 6 months. Dysfluencies that last longer than 6 months may need treatment. No one really knows what causes stuttering, but researchers now consider stuttering to involve brain differences in brain activity that interfere with the production of speech. The tendency to stutter may be inherited, and stuttering is more common in males than in females. If you have concerns, please contact our office to schedule a fluency (or stuttering) evaluation.