Hello, I work at the British Stammering Association and was a bit concerned about some of the comments above, so thought I should write something.
As has been said, it is quite common for children to experience difficulties with their speech- around 5% of children under the age of 5 will do so. Around the age of 2-3 is when most children start to stammer, although it can develop at a later age.
In the majority of cases, they will naturally outgrow it. However, we do not advise that parents leave it to correct itself, as some of the posts above have said, as up to a quarter of children are at risk of developing chronic stammering which may persist into adulthood without intervention during the pre-school years.
Therefore, we advise anyone concerned about their child's stammer to get their child assessed by a Speech and Language Therapist as early as possible. It's never too early to act. By getting in touch with the British Stammering Association, we can give you direct contact details of your local NHS therapy service where you can refer yourself without having to go through your GP.
If you are concerned, phone our helpline (local rate) on 0845 603 2001 or email [email protected].
Stammering can affect children in lots of different ways -some will block at the start of sentences, some midway, and others at the end. Some will repeat sounds.
The exact causes of stammering are not yet fully known, but new research is suggesting that it's genetic. There is no evidence that parents cause stammering, so don't blame yourselves.
Please see this link for parents of under 5's from our website, which gives tips on what to do in the home to support your child: www.stammering.org/under5.html
And here is a link for older children: www.stammering.org/parents_info.html
For more information about stammering in general see our website www.stammering.org.
I hope this helps
Steven
British Stammering Association