How can I tell normal disfluent speech from stuttering?
It is normal to see disfluent speech in children The very young child (2 -3 years) may repeat syllables and words. After the age of 3 we often see children repeat whole words or whole phrases rather than sounds or syllables. ( I, I, I, need to go) or ( I want, I want, I want more). Of course, when a child gets tired or excited, this kind of behavior increases. These kinds of characteristics are normal. Children past the age of 3 or 4 who exhibit stuttering behaviors may have these kinds of characteristics, but will exhibit more of them. In addition, they may be more likely to repeat syllables four or five time in a row (Ta-ta-ta-ta-take my hand). Also, sound may be prolonged (mmmmmy toy).
