Parents often tell us that their child started stammering around the time their language skills were developing, typically between the ages of two and five years. Stammering coincides with the rapid development of new physical and mental skills when the child is learning new words, using longer sentences and asking lots of questions.
Stammering differs for each individual, but it commonly includes repetition of whole words, or single sounds or syllables. Sounds can be prolonged or blocked altogether. Often there will be muscle tension around the eyes, nose, lips, neck, arms, legs and chest. Extra body movements may occur as the child attempts to ‘push’ the word out by shifting body position, for example. Children may avoid eye contact and their breathing may be disrupted.
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