Child stuttering can be noticed between 2 and 3 years, which corresponds to the period of speech development, through the appearance of some frequent signs such as difficulty in completing a word and prolonging syllables, for example.
Most of the time, the child stutter disappears as the child grows and speech develops, however in some cases it can remain and worsen over time, it is important that the child periodically go to the speech therapist so that exercises are done to stimulate speech.
How to identify
The first indicative signs of stuttering can appear between two and three years of age, since it is during this period that the child begins to develop speech. Thus, parents can begin to identify stuttering when the child begins to prolong the sounds, when the syllable sounds are repeated or when there is a block when speaking a certain syllable. In addition, it is common for children who experience stuttering to also have movement associated with speech, such as frowning, for example.
In addition, it can often be noticed that even if the child wishes to speak, he / she cannot complete the sentence or word quickly due to the occurrence of involuntary movements or an unexpected stop in the middle of speech.
Why does it happen?
The cause of stuttering is not yet known, but it is believed to be due to genetic factors or that it may be related to changes in the nervous system due to the non-development of some areas of the brain that are related to speech connections.
In addition, stuttering may also be due to poor development of muscles related to speech, or due to emotional factors, which, when properly treated, cause stuttering to cease to exist or to have less intensity and impact on the child's life. Learn more about the causes of stuttering.
Although shyness, anxiety and nervousness are often considered to be causes of stuttering, they are in fact a consequence, because the child starts to feel uncomfortable to speak, and may also result in social isolation, for example.
How should the treatment of stuttering in childhood be
Stuttering in childhood is curable as soon as it is identified early and treatment with the speech therapist is started soon after. According to the child's stuttering level, the speech therapist can indicate some exercises to improve the child's communication, in addition to giving some guidance to parents, such as:
- Do not interrupt the child while speaking; Do not devalue stuttering or call the child stutter; Maintain eye contact with the child; Listen carefully to the child; Try to speak more slowly with the child.
Although the speech therapist is essential, parents have a fundamental role in improving the child's stuttering and social integration, and it is important that they encourage the child to speak and speak slowly with the child, using simple words and phrases.
