Fluency vs. Dysfluency

Fluency vs. Dysfluency

 

Recently I had a parent ask me about her son, she was concerned that he may be stuttering. Another term for stuttering is dysfluency. I thought maybe I should throw some information out there because I am sure there are other parents who are wondering when it is normal and when it is a problem.


*Normal Dysfluencies occur most often between ages one and one-half and five years, and they tend to come and go. They are usually signs that a child is learning to use language in new ways. If dysfluencies disappear for several weeks, then return, the child may just be going through another stage of learning.

When is dysfluency normal?

*It is normal for a child to occasionally repeats syllables or words once or twice, li-li-like this. Dysfluencies may also include the use of fillers such as "uh", "er", "um". 


*Dysfluency is most common between 3 and 5 years, when language development is particularly rapid.


When should I be concerned?
*When there is avoidance to speak and child is aware that speaking is difficult.
*If there is tension when speaking.
*If there are secondary characteristics like body and facial tension, eye blinking or closing, or other physical characteristics. 

 

I found these videos  and thought they would be particularly helpful and informative for parents.

Here are some more websites with valuable information:

Center for Stuttering 

ASHA blog

 

Cheers,
Mindy