Much More Than Words
Information about monitoring and encouraging communication development in early childhood. The document is also available for download in PDF format at the bottom of this page.
Stuttering / Disfluency
What is stuttering (dysfluency)?
Fluency refers to the way words flow easily and naturally. Dysfluency (stuttering) refers to speech disruptions such as:
- Repetitions of sounds or syllables eg, pa..pa..pa..paper, super..super..super..supermarket
- Prolongations of sounds; eg, mmmmmy.....
- Periods during which speech production is blocked with no sound coming out - the words seem to get stuck.
During a dysfluent moment some children may make face or body movements such as grimacing, eye rolling, blinking or foot stamping. Some dysfluent children will use a lot of extra filler words like `you` and `ah`. Note that the terms `stuttering', `stammering' and `dysfluency' refer to the same thing.
When to be concerned?
Many children go through a period of what is known as `normal non-fluency'. This often occurs when their language is rapidly developing and they have a lot to say. They are beginning to talk more like an adult but are not quite ready to do so. This results in repetitions, hesitations and reformulations. `Normal non-fluency' is a stage that most children will move through without any cause for concern. However, referral is appropriate if:
- There is a family history of stuttering
- The child show signs of struggle when trying to get the words out; eg, stamping feet, grimacing
- The period of non-fluency persists for longer than three months
- The child shows signs of anxiety or frustration about speech
- The length of each block, hesitation or repetition is more than just a fleeting moment.
Some strategies to help fluency
- Follow the child's lead in play and conversation
- Speak more slowly yourself
- Increase pauses - give the child time to respond
- Try not to ask the child too many questions
- Use short, simple sentences
- Maintain eye contact
- Do not interrupt the child or finish sentences for him/her
- Discourage others from teasing or laughing at the child
Stuttering (Dysfluency) - what to do and when to refer
(Please note, this diagram can be viewed more clearly in the attachments at the end of this web page).
