Signs of stuttering occur most typically between the preschool and early elementary years. The speech pathologist at school can assess the disorder and recommend treatment. A dialect or accent difference is not considered a speech disorder. A language disorder is a problem in understanding or producing meaningful conversation. It involves difficulty with following rules of grammar, understanding or using words in correct context, and choosing appropriate language for different situations.
Children learn speech and language in stages as they mature physically and cognitively.
Normal growth includes some variation in development, and characteristics of an impairment may be outgrown as a child reaches milestones within this acceptable range. The diagnosis is confirmed after the child has a psychoeducational evaluation or developmental evaluation to rule out a learning or mental disability.