Factors Influencing Stuttering in Children

Developmental Factors

Common onset during normal life stages.

Language Development

Surges ahead of speech motor control skills.

Motor Skills Competition

Competes for neural resources affecting speech production.

Genetic Predisposition

Children with stuttering often have relatives who stutter.

Parental Influence

Persistent stuttering in parents increases child risk.

Environmental Factors

Criticism or stress can worsen stuttering.

Parent-Child Interaction

Observations can provide improvement strategies.

Congenital Factors

40-70% of stutters lack family history.

Associated Conditions

Stuttering linked to premature birth or brain injury.

Sensory Motor Issues

Includes poor auditory processing and slow reactions.

Auditory Processing

Less activity in brain areas during speech.

Emotional Factors

Anxiety stems from negative experiences.

Emotional Reactivity

Children show greater emotional responses.

Language Characteristics

Word stuttering influenced by class, length, location.

Onset Timing

Typically occurs during rapid language acquisition.

Language Processing

Less robust abilities correlate with stuttering.

Brain Structure

Reduced gray matter in Broca's area noted.

Neurological Function

Treatment can alter brain function positively.

White Matter Density

Persistence linked to less dense white matter.