Stuttering is a speech disorder where there is a blockage in the flow of speech, pausing by repeating a word or a sound, and speaking by prolonging the sound. But not every stuttering is a speech disorder. Because between the ages of 2 and 4, which is the period when language development accelerates, the child thinks about many things at the same time and wants to express everything he thinks at that moment. During this period, the child lives in the fast-moving dreams in his mind, not in the slow-moving real world, and has difficulty expressing his thoughts in words due to his insufficient vocabulary.
For this reason, we can say; In children between the ages of 2 and 4 who have just started speaking, the speed of thought is ahead of the speed of speech, so these children may pause and repeat their sentences. Although this situation experienced by the child may seem like stuttering, it is actually developmental delays. If families are faced with this type of stuttering in their child, there is no need to worry because developmental delays are mostly temporary with the right parental attitude. When the child stutters or stumbles; If his attention is not drawn to his speech, if he is not pressured to pronounce correctly and if he is not exposed to ridicule, this period can be completed with fluent speech at the age of 7 at the latest.
Heredity plays an important role in the emergence of stuttering, and therefore a child with a genetic affinity may suffer from psychological reasons. It is highly likely that it will be affected.
Anxiety, stress and pressure are psychological reasons that cause stuttering in children. A newborn sibling, divorce of spouses, loss of a family member, or a trauma can easily trigger stuttering. Stuttering is approximately 5 times more common in children growing up with oppressive family attitudes, especially in boys, than in girls. Because when men feel tension, they tend to focus this tension on their vocal cords. The biggest difference in terms of gender is observed between the ages of 11-12.
Making fun of the stuttering child, forcing him to speak fluently, and letting the child know that he stutters are among the biggest mistakes made. These approaches will stress the child more and make it difficult for the child to speak.
Other important psychological reasons that cause stuttering are; sudden shock, emotional tension and most of all the child It is the fear that he experiences.
For example, a child being attacked by a dog, being forgotten in the school toilet, being left alone in a broken elevator, being neglected and abused by his parents, or being punished by his teacher are all psychological reasons.
A stuttering child who can talk to his family at home without difficulty; Stuttering may increase when you enter a crowded environment, appear in front of the public, or talk to a stranger. Children who stutter experience their emotions much more intensely than children who speak fluently. Even their feelings of excitement, joy and amazement can affect their speech. Families who realize that their children stutter should be more sensitive towards their children. In cases of stuttering that lasts for about 3-6 months, especially after the age of 7, families should definitely consult a clinical psychologist and a speech and language therapist.
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