When children begin to develop speech ability, they do it at the beginning by imitation. As their language increases, the little ones learn to formulate more complete and developed sentences. However, it is normal for the little ones show some problems when speaking Fluently. Although this is usually a transitory circumstance that usually disappears after a short time.
It is important to observe the way your child expresses himself, since as we said, in many cases, stumbling when speaking is normal and disappears naturally, in other cases there may be a stuttering problem. The earlier this issue is addressed, the more likely the child is to correct the disorder. Therefore, knowing what are the signs that the problem may show you, will be essential to be able to put the necessary remedies as soon as possible.
The most common fluency problems in speech
It is estimated that about 5% of children between the ages of 2 and 5, have verbal fluency problems. It is a very common trait, which can appear at any time during its development at this stage. It usually occurs when the child is excited or excited, from being tired or feeling pressure to communicate. These are circumstances that lead to the child having intermittent fluency problems.
As children learn new words, they also learn to use them correctly. But it's not that simple learn to formulate a sentence correctly. So it is normal for the child to repeat words or formulate incomplete sentences during this stage. The point is that these types of attitudes that fall within the normality, can be a sign that something else may be happening.
How do I know if my child has a stutter?
In most cases, verbal fluency problems in young children disappear naturally and within a few months. But in other cases, these problems spread over time and also other complications are added, what can be a clear sign of stuttering.
Here are some rules that can help you detect stuttering in children little ones:
- Syllable repetition or some sounds like "mom a vv-glass"
- The child lengthen the sounds, at the beginning of a sentence the child prolongs the first word, as in the case »aaaa my friends ..»
- Has to strain to make sounds, the child makes physical effort to get the words out of his mouth. It hangs when you try to say something and cannot make the sound.
- Make gestures when you try talksuch as constant clearing or blinking when trying to speak.
- There are family history of people who stutter.
- The problem of fluency in speaking spans More than 6 months.
- The child is reluctant to speak.
On the contrary, there are other behaviors that are completely normal at this age, how to use fillers when speaking like "ehh." Even when children are nervous and want to explain something they don't know, they often repeat words or phrases.
When to go to the doctor
It is important that the pediatrician assess the situation early, in this way you can help your child to solve the problem if it exists. Children who receive treatment before their 7th birthday have many more likely to correct this problem. On the contrary, once that age has passed, it is very difficult for stuttering to be completely corrected.
Treatment with a specialized speech therapist will help your child acquire skills to develop your capacity of language. Specialized therapy can help the child to speak words more easily. And thus it is also possible to reduce the tension that this disorder can cause in the child.
How to help the child from home
These tips apply to both children who stutter and those who do not. Correct the way of talking at home, can significantly help children to improve their speaking skills.
- Speak in a calmer way and pronouncing each word very well. Parents should teach children through their example, try to use all words well, pause between sentences, etc.
- Be patient with your child and don't increase the pressure that you may already be feeling. Avoid pressuring him when he is speaking to finish the sentence and try not to finish the words for him. Be patient and let him finish talking.
- Seek the help of a professional, no parent likes that their child has to go through different therapies, but in these types of situations, it is possible to redirect the situation and improve the child's social skills. The sooner treatment is started, the fewer the consequences and the resulting disorders it may cause in the child.