Risk Factors for Stuttering Persistence
Early stuttering is considered persistent when it continues for 12 months or more from the time it first appeared, or from its onset. Several factors have been identified that place children at greater risk for continuing to stutter.
Risk factors guide professionals and parents in determining an appropriate level of caution when following a child’s progress or lack of progress towards natural recovery, and they assist speech-language pathologists in deciding whether and when to begin speech therapy.
Risk factors do not usually affect the effectiveness of stuttering therapy; however, if a child has additional speech or language challenges in pronunciation or oral expression, for example, therapy my take longer. Some children will need additional speech therapy aimed at these other areas.
A child’s age will affect how soon after onset therapy begins. Preschool children 4 years and older should be assessed by a speech-language pathologist as soon as possible after stuttering onset, regardless of whether risk factors apply.
Factors that place children at greater risk for continuing to stutter include:
Family History of Stuttering
When a child has a family member, from the immediate or extended family, who older than 6 years and still stutters, the risk for persistency is regarded to be higher.
Age at Onset
When a child begins to stutter after the age of 3 and a half, the risk for persistency is regarded to be higher. Preschool children 4 years and older should be assessed as soon as possible after stuttering onset.
Time Since Onset
When a preschooler stutters for more than 6 to 12 months without evidence of progress towards natural recovery, the risk for persistency is regarded to be higher.
Sex
Males are at higher risk for stuttering persistency. Females are expected to show progress towards natural recovery within a few months from stuttering onset. If this does not happen, the risk for persistency becomes greater.
Pronunciation Skills
When a child’s speech is hard to understand or when speech sounds are not said correctly, the risk for persistency is regarded to be higher.
Language Skills
Children with advanced, delayed, or disordered language development are at higher risk for stuttering persistency.
Parents are advised to seek the opinion and advice of a Speech-Language Pathologist to determine the approach best suited to their child’s specific situation.