Stutter

[weeferg]

Hi everyone, my 21 month old has a sort of stutter but its only at the end of words like if shes saying shop its shop p p p, its not all the time but its getting more frequent. Is this normal for her age? Thanks in advance

[boxtops]

I'd speak to your health visitor

[corylus]

Normal non-fluency of childhood, ignore it.

[B00]

Agree with Corylus.

Mini Boo had a stutter at roundabout that age, and we were advised by her nursery to see a speech therapist. Off we trotted to be told she was as normal as normal could be, it would stop naturally, and nothing to be worried about. They were right.

[jkelly24]

I would speak to your health visitor if only to put your mind at rest. Having had a child with a speech problem myself I know it can be a long process to put right. My son also stuttered at times but the advice and reassurance from a speech therapist put my mind at ease. It's hopefully just a 'habit' she's got into, especially if it gets your attention.

[corylus]

Your child is too young for a 'true' stammer. You should be able to self refer her to your local speech and language therapy clinic, send letter with name, address, date of birth, mention 'hesitancy' and wait for an appointment which shouldn't take too long. That should re-assure you.

[pixie373]

I agree it's probably nothing to worry about. My son had a stammer at 2. It's very common. I took him to a walk-in clinic. No referral needed. He outgrew it by himself. Don't make any issue of it to her. If she hasn't stopped by about 3, then speak to health visitor.

[sherrardk]

I think if you are concerned you should get a referral to the speech therapy team. They can take a while to come through. If the stutter is better or improving you don't have to use the appointment. Better to try and sort it out now than have her confidence affected by it when she starts nursery/school (I have a son with a severe language impairment and he has been having speech therapy since he was 2 and he is now 5 1/2).