Is it normal for a 3 year old to suddently start stuttering a bit?

Question

My son just turned 3 and he was talking so well-he's got a great vocabulary and has been talking for quite a while now very legibly. Recently he has started stuttering a bit and we don't know why. Any ideas? I have heard that good talkers can suddenly start stuttering around this age. Is it true? What is your experience?

Answer 1

My youngest did this, and i have seen this a lot in my role as Senco in nursery. I would suggest you keep an eye on it, and maybe mention it to your Senco (if your son attends nursery) or your Health Visitor. However, I have often found it is where the child's brain works quicker than their mouth. They have lots they want to say, and their mouth cant seem to process it quick enough. I suggest you wait for him to finish what he is saying, and try not to rush him or get impatient. Sometimes it helps to remind them to slow down and think before they speak, but try not to make it too big an issue. usually they will grow out of it, although my daughter still speaks too fast sometimes, to the point I have no idea what she is saying!

Good luck

Answer 2

Stuttering may commonly occur in the normal language development of toddlers 3 - 4 years of age. It occurs because ideas come to mind faster than the child is able to express them. It more commonly occurs if the toddler is tired, stressed, or excited.

When the child is speaking, give your full, prompt attention, and do not comment on the stuttering. If the stuttering is accompanied with other signs, such as tics, grimacing, extreme self-consciousness, or if the stuttering persists longer than 6 months, consider having the child evaluated by a speech pathologist.

Your best source of help for stuttering, especially with a young child is The Stuttering Foundation of America.  Check out www.stutteringhelp.org and you will find tips for parents of ways they can help, if and when your child needs to see a speech therapist who specializes in treating stuttering, a list of referrals to specialists all over the world, online videos, helpful books you can find at your library or in the estore, etc.  They are a nonprofit group started by a man who stuttered.

Answer 3

sometime beacuse he/or she could be overwelmed with whater going on or their to exicited

Answer 4

my 4 yr old has been doing that since he started when he started talking at 2 1/2.  i went up to our local school, got him tested, and they told me that it was normal for his age.  they also told me that never stop him for any reason at all.  my 4 yr old does it more and more if he is really excited.  i wouldn't get excited.  our local school said that if it gets worse after he gets into school they can put him into speech class.  my 4 yr old is getting to the point where his speech is getting better and he doesn't stutter as much anymore.  i would hold off and wait till he's like 4 or 5.  at 5 he'll be in kindergarten and then the school can help him.

good luck

Answer 5

its perfectly normal like others have said their little mouths just can't keep up with their brains or vice versa. I often just tell my my daughter 3.5 years to slow down and and take  a breath that usually solves it. it gives them a chance to pause and gather themselve before they speak.