Stuttering will go away with development, right?

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In many cases, stuttering in children does go away or improve with development. Stuttering is relatively common among young children, particularly between the ages of 2 and 5, as they are still refining their language skills and fluency. During this period, as their language and communication abilities mature, stuttering may naturally resolve without the need for intervention. 

The majority of children who start stuttering will outgrow it, and only a small percentage will continue to have a persistent stutter into adulthood. However, it is challenging to predict with certainty which children will recover naturally and which ones may need additional support. 

Factors that may indicate a higher likelihood of natural recovery include: 

1. Age at Onset: If a child begins stuttering at a young age (around 2 or 3), they are more likely to outgrow it compared to those who start stuttering later. 

2. Gender: Stuttering is more common in boys than in girls, but girls who start stuttering may have a slightly higher chance of recovery. 

3. Time Since Onset: If a child has been stuttering for less than six months, there is a higher likelihood of natural recovery. 

4. Family History: Children with a family history of stuttering may have a slightly increased chance of natural recovery. 

While most cases of early childhood stuttering improve over time, it's still essential to provide support and understanding to the child during this phase. Avoid putting pressure on them to speak fluently or finish their sentences. Instead, create a relaxed and accepting environment for communication. If stuttering persists or worsens, or if the child appears to be struggling with it, seeking the guidance of a speech-language pathologist is recommended. Early intervention can be beneficial in helping a child develop fluent speech and addressing any underlying concerns. Speech therapy can teach strategies and techniques to improve fluency and communication skills and support the child's overall language development. 

Author:

Bec Broadfoot - Speech and Language Pathologist here at With You Allied Health

To learn more about Bec and her services, click here.