Is this normal speech development for a 21MO or could it be the start of a stutter/speech problems?

[reastie]

I realise I may come across as very PFB here . DD is talking but often will repeat parts of the word at the beginning alot before she says a word (eg she might say de de de de de-licious' . She doesn't always do it and it's only ever at the beginning of a word. She doesn't seem bothered or upset by trying to get something out and not being able to. Her cousin has had a bit of a speech problem with stuttering and struggling to get her words out but not severely and she seems OK now (she's 6) although she has had to see specialists, I'm not sure if this type of thing can be genetic.

This could be an obvious thing which all children do and I'm making a fuss of nothing, but just want to check really.

Hi reastie
You're not making a fuss, just asking for advice
I'm a speech and language therapist. Young children often go through stages of stuttering as part of normal language development. When she stutters, just give her extra time to get her word out - don't prompt her or ask her to slow down. She's not aware of it at this stage and it's best to keep it that way so don't draw attention to it. Keep calm and keep easy eye contact with her.
Keep a check on it - if it gets any worse, go to your local Children's Centre, they should have another SLT that you can chat to.

"Sometimes sound as if they are stammering or stuttering. They are usually trying to share their ideas before their language skills are ready. This is perfectly normal, just show you are listening and give them plenty of time."

Sorry posted too soon- above is from www.talkingpoint.org.uk/Parent/My%20Child%20Is/2-3-years.aspx

(very good site)

Excellent, thanks Lotta that's great. Glad it's hopefully nothing too unusual and won't be an issue

xposted, thanks double will check out the link