Stammering

[Scummymummy]

One of my sons (2 1/2) has a noticable stammer, especially when he's excited or tired. I've read that a stammer is quite common between the ages of 2 and 3 and that the best action is no action at all. However, I'm quite worried as my partner had a stammer up to the age of 9 or so and still remembers feeling embarrassed and reluctant to speak because of it. Has anyone had any experience of this with their kids? When should I start to worry/seek advice?

p.s. It's not always a total disadvantage- I was very relieved that a man in an electric wheelchair was well out of earshot by the time my son managed to say "Mummy, that man got no legs and his wheelchair goes on its own!" (A facination with legs and wheelchairs has followed from his nana breaking her leg and using a wheelchair temporarily)

[Jbr]

Speech difficulties can cause problems but I always think it is the other person's problem, not the fault of the person with the difficulty. Probably not very helpful but that's my view. I do know grown ups with speech difficulties that never got "corrected".

Just as a point of interest a man has just won a case against his employer because they made him do a presentation when he has speech difficulties. He sued them and won. You can also get a reduction on telephone bills with BT, though I don't know how old a resident has to be before they allow a reduction. It may have to be the person on the bill rather than just someone who lives there.

In the meantime I wouldn't worry.

[Hmonty]

Hi Scrummymummy,
My eldest had a stammer at about 2 and, just like your son, it was particularly prominent when he was tired/excited/rushing. He's just over 3 now and it's virtually disappeared. As his speach has improved it's just gradually faded. We did nothing except try our best to ensure family members didn't make fun of him etc. I wouldn't worry for a while yet if I were you. Although you could always run it past you health visitor in light of the family connection just for peace of mind.