What Causes Stuttering in Children?

Stuttering manifests itself as a communication disorder where a person's speech becomes broken by repetition. Other forms of stuttering involve prolonging words or stopping speaking. Many children between the ages of 2 and 5 exhibit stuttering characteristics, with most outgrowing the problem. Uncertainty exists as to the causes of childhood stuttering, with several possibilities being advanced.

Genetics

• Stuttering runs in families, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. In 2010, three genes were isolated that cause stuttering. Mutations in these genes have been identified in adults and related family members that stutter. The adults stuttered as children, but then did not outgrow the condition like most children.

Developmental Delays

• Some young children lag behind their peers in speech development. One manifestation of this delay is stuttering. It accompanies delays such as difficulty in speaking in complete sentences and trouble with pronunciation of words beyond the normal expectation of children.

Interaction

• In order to speak properly without stuttering, the brain must interact with the muscles and body parts used for speech. When this function has not properly developed in a child, stuttering will occur. Like developmental delay, once the child catches up with other children the stuttering normally disappears.

Psychological

• Traditionally considered to be a cause, today psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, speaking before a crowd and embarrassment are seen to be enhancers of stuttering rather than causes. Children who stutter will become worse when subject to these psychological factors but will not develop stuttering as a result.