What are some of the characteristics of a child who is at risk for stuttering?
• Repeats parts of words, either sounds or syllables (“t-t-table”, “ta-ta-table”);prolongs a sound (“ssssun”); or breaks up words (“cow”&”boy”) • Often repeats part of the word at least 3 times (“ta-ta-ta-table”)although some reports indicate that these children may repeat only 1 or 2 times • During repetitions, substitutes an “uh” vowel in the word (“tuh-tuh-tuh-table”) • According to recent clinical reports, may use a broken rhythm during repetitions (“b.b&b..boy”) • Has 10 or more disfluencies every 100 words • Opens the mouth to speak but no sound comes out or turns off the voice between sound repetitions
