Predictors and Outcomes of Stuttering in Preschoolers

Preschoolers who stutter had significantly higher language scores, nonverbal cognition scores, and health-related quality of life than preschoolers who did not.

Stuttering is the most common form of dysfluency. Developmental stuttering occurs between ages 3 to 4 years with the repetition of words, phrases, or sentences, but data are limited on the natural history of stuttering in preschool-age children.

In a prospective, community-based cohort in Australia, researchers enrolled 1619 infants at ages 7.5 to 10 months and collected data on language and speech development from age 1 year with annual parent questionnaires, followed by face-to-face assessment at age 4 years. Parents reported by telephone any stuttering behaviors after age 2 years, and speech pathologists followed up positive reports with a home visit to record a play session. Verified stutterers were recorded monthly at home for 12 months…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics