Stuttering or Fluency Disorder

Stuttering — also called stammering or childhood-onset fluency disorder — is a speech disorder that involves frequent and significant problems with normal fluency and flow of speech. People who stutter know what they want to say, but have difficulty saying it. For example, they may repeat or prolong a word, a syllable, or a consonant or vowel sound. Or they may pause during speech because they've reached a problematic word or sound.

Stuttering is common among young children as a normal part of learning to speak. Young children may stutter when their speech and language abilities aren't developed enough to keep up with what they want to say. Most children outgrow this developmental stuttering.

Sometimes, however, stuttering is a chronic condition that persists into adulthood. This type of stuttering can have an impact on self-esteem and interactions with other people.

Children and adults who stutter may benefit from treatments such as speech therapy, using electronic devices to improve speech fluency or cognitive behavioral therapy.

How is a fluency disorder diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider can usually diagnose a fluency disorder based on a discussion of the signs and symptoms. This may include other medical conditions, family history of speech disorders and the effects of fluency problems on your life.

Your healthcare provider might consult a speech-language pathologist (SLP), an expert in speech, language and communication problems. They can help differentiate a fluency disorder from other speech disorders, such as articulation disorder.

Your healthcare provider or SLP may also talk to your child’s teachers and other family members. This can help them assess any associated problems with learning, socialization or mental health (such as anxiety). If your provider or SLP believes your child could benefit from additional support, they may refer you to behavioral therapy (counseling).