SARTHAK HEARING CARE BLOG
My Child Stammers Only Sometimes — What Does “On-and-Off” Stammering Mean?
Many parents notice that their child's stammering isn't constant - it may appear in some situations and seem to disappear in others, which can be confusing when deciding whether to be concerned.
Why Stammering Can Come and Go
Stammering can vary depending on the situation, such as being more noticeable when a child is excited, tired, speaking quickly, or talking to an unfamiliar person, and less noticeable during calm, one-on-one conversation.
Is This Different From “Normal” Disfluency?
Young children often go through a stage of mild speech disfluency as language skills develop rapidly, and this can look similar to stammering. A speech-language evaluation can help tell the difference between typical disfluency and stammering that may need support.
When On-and-Off Stammering Is Worth Getting Checked
If the stammering has lasted more than a few months, seems to be increasing, or your child shows frustration or avoids talking in certain situations, it's worth having it assessed by a speech therapist rather than waiting to see if it resolves on its own.
What an Assessment Involves
Dr. Murli Singh and Sarthak Nehra, as speech therapists in Delhi, can observe your child's speech across different situations and help determine whether therapy would be helpful.
Book a Speech Assessment
If you're noticing on-and-off stammering in your child and want guidance, contact Sarthak Hearing Care for a speech-language assessment. Call: 9625554548 / 9891242568
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ANSWERS FOR PATIENTS & FAMILIES
My Child Stammers Only Sometimes — What Does “On-and-Off” Stammering Mean? FAQs
Is it normal for a child's stammering to come and go?
Yes, this is common. Stammering often varies by situation, such as excitement, tiredness, or talking to someone unfamiliar, and doesn't always need to be constant to be worth monitoring.
How do I know if it's normal disfluency or stammering that needs therapy?
A speech-language evaluation can help tell the difference. It's worth getting an assessment if the pattern has lasted more than a few months or seems to be increasing.
Should I point it out to my child when they stammer?
This is best discussed individually with a speech therapist, since the right approach can vary depending on the child's age and how they respond.