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Stuttering

Also called: Stuttering, stammering

Speech with repeated sounds, stretched sounds, or blocks. It's common in young children and speech therapy helps.

Common inAges 2 to 5
ManyOutgrow it
HelpSpeech therapy

Overview

Stuttering usually starts between ages 2 and 5. About 3 in 4 children grow out of it.

Signs it may last include stuttering past 6 months, family history, or starting after age 3.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Stuttering

Less common

  • Tension in the face
  • Avoiding words

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todaySudden stuttering in an adult with weakness.
See a doctor soonStuttering over 6 months.

Causes

Genes, brain differences.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
  • It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Boys
  • Family history

Diagnosis

A speech-language pathologist evaluates.

Treatment

Support speech.

Self-care

  • Speak slowly
  • Don't finish their words
  • Talk slowly and calmly
  • Give your child time to finish
  • Don't say 'slow down' or 'relax'
  • Have relaxed talk time each day

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • There is no known way to prevent it. Early checkups help find it sooner.

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a speech-language pathologist (speech therapist).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Adults: Speech therapy and support groups help.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Helps with therapy.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Should my child see a speech therapist?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Stuttering

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.