At what age stuttering is detected in children

Disfemia, better known colloquially as stuttering, is a communication disorder characterized by interruptions in the flow of speech: repetitions, prolongations or abnormal interruptions of sounds, syllables or words . Parallel signs of tension or facial or bodily effort related to the effort of spea

Disfemia, better known colloquially as stuttering, is a communication disorder characterized by interruptions in the flow of speech: repetitions, prolongations or abnormal interruptions of sounds, syllables or words . Parallel signs of tension or facial or bodily effort related to the effort of speaking may appear.

The origin of this problem is not known although it is believed that there are a number of genetic, physiological, linguistic or environmental factors that increase the chances of it appearing

The babbling of children when they learn to speak is not stuttering

It is common that children between 2 and 5 years of age have verbal breaks (it seems that they do not get the word out) and repetitions of syllables because they are still learning to speak, to organize words and phrases. This is a problem that tends to remit spontaneously a year after it started. Four out of five children who show signs of stuttering progress to normal speech. However, if the problem persists after one year has begun, there is a greater risk that it will be established and maintained until school or adult age.

What to do when the child blocks when speaking

The attitude of the parents and other people around the child towards their way of speaking are fundamental in the development of their fluency. Lo - The most important thing is

to prevent the child from becoming aware of his problem es, that is, to realize that he stutters, since his own attempts to avoid it may lead him to increase it. - We mustspeak to the child slowly

and giving him time to express himself. If we talk to them slowly and calmly we will be giving them a good model to imitate. - It is important to pay more attention to what he says than to how he says it sin, without correcting him when he makes an error.

- Try to be calm and stay calm when your child is blocked. Always wait until he finishes speaking and do not finish the words or the sentences for him.

- Do not force the child to talkin situations where this may be uncomfortable or stressful. Avoid making comments or giving recommendations such as: 'speak more slowly', 'breathe', 'take a breath', 'do not get nervous ', etc. And above all

avoid the jokes, fights or punishments related to your speech . This type of comments and attitudes make the child feel evaluated in their way of speaking, become aware of their difficulties and increase and prolong the problem. - When the child gets out of the blockade and speaks fluently, avoid making comments such as 'how good you have done', 'you are speaking much better'. This can make you feel evaluated each time you speak. - It is essential to create a climate of security and understanding around the child. Show him with your attitude that you enjoy talking to him.When to consult a professional about a child's stuttering

Although fluency problems usually subside spontaneously, this is not always the case. There are a number of risk factors that should be addressed as soon as possible to a therapist specializing in language disorders (speech therapist or teacher specialist in hearing and language).

It is recommended to see a specialist in the following cases: - When there is a family history of stuttering. - When three to six months have passed since the blockages appeared.

- When the child has some speech delay or language impairment.

- When there are emotional, psychological or organic alterations. - When the child is aware that he stutters.

- When parents or teachers begin to show concern about the child's speech.

- In the event that we observe in the child effort or facial or body tension when speaking, accompanied by blockages

- When the child shows tension, anxiety or fear in situations in which he has to talk.

- When it is the subject of ridicule or jokes on the part of other children.

- When it is the child himself who tells us that he has difficulty controlling his speech or that he is worried about his problem.