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Signs of Developmental Dysfluencies (Developmental Stuttering):
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A majority of children experience stages of “developmental dysfluencies,” also known as developmental stuttering.
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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.
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Developmental dysfluencies occur in young children when they are learning new speech and language skills.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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:
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syllable/part word repetitions (i.e., ca-ca-car)
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prolongations (ie., ssssssing)
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“blocks” (inability to produce sounds)
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tension/struggle to produce words
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rapidly blinking eyes and/or fidgeting hands/feet
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