• Signs of Developmental Dysfluencies (Developmental Stuttering):

  • A majority of children experience stages of “developmental dysfluencies,” also known as developmental stuttering. 

  • Developmental dysfluencies are moments when they produce speech that sounds similar to stuttering, such as repeating words (I want-I want milk) and using filers (um, uh, er); however, this can also be a sign of typical speech development.

  • Developmental dysfluencies occur in young children when they are learning new speech and language skills.

  • At times, children are rapidly processing auditory information, but their expressive language is not able to produce the words as quickly as the child wants to say the words/phrases. 

  • The repetitions and filers listed above tend to appear, disappear, and then reappear.  This pattern is typically a sign that a child is learning to use language in new ways.   

  • If the dysfluencies disappear for several weeks, then return, the child is most likely going through a new stage of learning.

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• Red Flags for Possible Fluency/Stuttering Disorder

  • If you observe a child producing/displaying a combination of the following for up to 6 months, these may be signs of a possible fluency disorder:

    • syllable/part word repetitions (i.e., ca-ca-car)

    • prolongations (ie., ssssssing)

    • “blocks” (inability to produce sounds)

    • tension/struggle to produce words

    • rapidly blinking eyes and/or fidgeting hands/feet