Normal Toddler Stuttering by Mark B. Levin, M.D., and Timothy J. Patrick-Miller, M.D. The Pediatric Group, P.A., Princeton

This is the twentysecond article in a series written for Princeton Online. Click here for an archive of other articles.

Many parents become concerned when their toddler or preschooler stutters. Similar to all development, language and speech will not be perfect initially, the production and flow of sounds will not always be smooth, and the ability to understand will precede the ability to execute. We all occasionally precede speech with “uh” or “um“ when we are unsure of what to say or need a moment to organize our thoughts. A child manifests the same behavior, especially when the child is surrounded by rapid speakers and may not have an opportunity to express his or her ideas in a methodical fashion. Sometimes, a child will manifest the same mannerism just to be able to get a word into the prevailing conversation when an older sibling dominates the chatter. This “normal stuttering” occurs at the start of a sentence, does not usually make the child frustrated (notwithstanding the frustration of an older sibling who will not permit the child to insert a word into the conversation) and is not associated with finding substitute words.

For this normal developmental stuttering, a parent need only slow the pace of speech around the child, give him or her ample opportunity to express his or her thoughts and allow tincture of time to work its magic. Typically, this normal pattern of speech development resolves itself by two and one-half to three years of age.

Pathologic stuttering, sometimes termed “stammering”, usually occurs in an older child. It occurs in the midst of a sentence with the child repeating the first consonant of a word and is associated with frustration at not being able to enunciate the word. For example, a child might say, “ I want some b-b-b-b-bread.” Often in this circumstance, the stutterer shows frustration at not being able to say the word, and may readily substitute another word. For example, “I want some b-b-b-b-b -- a s-sandwich.” This type of speech pattern requires early intervention by a speech therapist or speech pathologist.

If you are unsure if your child has a normal developmental pattern, your pediatrician can assist in deciding whether a referral to a speech specialist is appropriate.

© The Pediatric Group January, 2000 All Rights Reserved

Dr. Timothy Patrick-Miller

Dr. Patrick-Miller has been a member of the staff at The Pediatric Group since 1985. Dr. Patrick-Miller has served on several Departmental and hospital committees. He has published original work while at The Pediatric Group. He and his wife enjoy travel. He also likes hiking, biking, gardening and reading.

Dr. Mark B. Levin 

Dr. Levin has been a member of the staff at The Pediatric Group since 1977. Currently an attending Pediatrician at the Medical Center at Princeton, he has been Chairman, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Center at Princeton, 1984 to 1986, 1989 to 1992, and past President, Medical and Dental Staff, Medical Center at Princeton, 1987 to 1988. Dr. Levin has served on numerous Departmental and hospital committees. He has published original articles both while at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse and at The Pediatric Group. He has a wife and three children. Dr. Levin enjoys alpine skiing, jogging, hiking and camping, travel, computers and racquetball.