SAEDNEWS: Many children experience stuttering when they reach the age of 2 to 6 and are learning to speak. Between 5% and 10% of children may go through temporary stuttering, which usually improves over time. In most cases, stuttering resolves on its own by the age of 6, but in some children, it may persist.
According to Saed News and citing Nini Site, people often make jokes about many topics—ethnicities, countries, children, and adults. Some of these jokes are funny and entertaining, but those that target people’s disabilities—especially the individuals affected—are certainly not humorous. For this reason, some days around the world are designated to raise awareness about specific disabilities. Among them, October 22 (30 Mehr in the Iranian calendar) has been recognized as World Stuttering Awareness Day.
Stuttering, or speech disfluency, is a common problem, especially among children. This speech disorder occurs when a person pauses, repeats, or prolongs certain syllables and words. In some cases, there are unnatural silent pauses within words. Essentially, stuttering is an interruption in the flow of speech that makes producing words challenging and sometimes stressful for the individual.
Many children experience stuttering between the ages of 2 and 6 while learning language. Between 5% and 10% of children may develop temporary stuttering, which often improves over time. In many cases, stuttering resolves on its own by age six, though in some children it may persist. This disorder is more common in boys than in girls, and in Iran, around 7% of children are affected.
Experts identify several factors that can contribute to stuttering:
Genetic factors: Research shows that individuals with close relatives who stutter are more likely to develop the disorder. Environmental factors also play a role.
Differences in brain language processing: People who stutter process language differently in various parts of the brain, and the neural pathways between the brain, muscles, and speech-related body parts do not always communicate with consistent speed and accuracy.
Fast speech rate
Expanding vocabulary
Stressful or emotionally intense situations
Adult-onset stuttering due to stroke or brain injury
Diagnosis is typically made by a speech-language pathologist. Using recognized therapeutic methods, the specialist evaluates the child’s age, speech abilities, and stuttering patterns to identify the most suitable treatment. Early detection can prevent the disorder from persisting into adulthood. Health experts recommend that children with a family history of stuttering, aggressive behaviors combined with stuttering, or stuttering lasting longer than 3–6 months should receive professional intervention.
Parents of children who stutter should understand that stuttering is normal and does not diminish their child’s responsibilities or role within the family or society. Children should be treated calmly and naturally, with expectations aligned with those of their peers. Parents are advised to:
Maintain a calm, supportive home environment that encourages conversation. Spend time together as a family, allowing the child to speak, especially when they have something to share. This builds confidence.
Listen attentively to the child’s message rather than focusing on words that may be difficult to pronounce.
Speak slowly and gently, such as reading books with measured speech, which can reduce stress and pressure for the child.
Maintain eye contact while listening and allow the child to finish sentences without interruption, showing that communication is possible despite stuttering.
Respond honestly if the child asks about their speech, but avoid forcing discussions if they are unwilling.
Encourage the child to talk about their worries, fears, and interests to boost confidence.
Be patient if the child is undergoing speech therapy, as improvement takes time.
Never force the child to speak if they are unwilling.
By fostering understanding and supportive communication, parents can help children who stutter develop confidence and effective speech skills.
