Early detection is critically important. Early intervention may prevent the problem from interfering with learning in other areas. If by age 3, the child is mostly using vowels or omitting the beginning sounds in words, or other people cannot understand what the child is saying, see a speech therapist. By age 8 all speech sounds should be mastered. Between ages 3 and 4 years stuttering is common.
Most children grow out of repeating sounds and hesitating between words.
When the pattern exists longer than 2 or 3 months and interferes with communication, this is called stuttering. Parents should ignore stuttering and not correct the child. Severe stuttering should receive speech therapy to avoid a long-term problem. Nodules on the vocal cords can cause hoarseness. Nose breathing while speaking and hoarseness should be evaluated.