Fluency
Children may go through typical periods of dysfluency-- these are stages that typically correlate with a sudden increase in knowledge. Sometimes the speech mechanism needs time to adjust and learn how to express their newfound knowledge. Some interruptions in the flow of speech (dysfluencies), are typical at any age. However, some signs of atypical dysfluencies could present an area of concern. Please see below for some signs of atypical dysfluencies. These signs may occur occasionly and that would be in normal limits. It's when they occur frequently when there is need for concern.
Repetitions
Whole word – when you repeat the same word several times in a row (I.e. “Well, well, well, it was fun yesterday.”)
Part Word – when you repeat part of a word (i.e. M-m-m-m-m-my mom went to Florida.)
Prolongations
When a sound or word is elongated or stretched out in a word. (i.e. “SSSSSave me a seat.”)
Interjections
When a word or sound as a filler. (i.e. “I’ll meet you – um um you know like – around six o’clock.”)
Abnormal Stops
The flow of speech is interrupted, no sounds or words come out at all.
If you are concerned about your child and notice any of these signs please contact me and hopefully I can answer your questions. The most important thing is to make your child an effective communicator.
Links:
Tips for talking with your child
http://www.stutteringhelp.org/7-tips-talking-your-child-0
Notes to Teachers
http://www.stutteringhelp.org/notes-teacher-child-who-stutters-school