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From: Steve Hood
Date: 10/6/00
Time: 11:32:41 AM
Remote Name: 199.33.133.50
Hello, R.S.
It is not appropriate to try to make a diagnosis over the internet, but from what you have observed over the past year, and from the fact that your child's teacher is concerned, I certainly feel that it would be wise for your son to receive a complete speech and language evaluation. This evaluation will also be helpful in terms of making recommendations regarding the pros and cons of having him learn two languages simultaneously. With respect to stuttering, we tend to look at four speech factors in determining whether or not the child is beginning to stutter. We look at the frequency of the disfluency, and when we find that the child is disfluent on about 5% of the words spoken we feel he is borderline with respect to a problem. When we get up to 10% we have more serious concerns. The second thing is the degree of effort/tension/struggle associated with disfluencies. Disfluencies which are easy and effortless and rhythmic are not of particular concern, but when they are disrhythmic and uneven, and showing signs of tension, then we are concerned. Thirdly we look at duration. Short duration and brief disfluencies are not usually a sign of trouble, but when they reach or exceed one full second then we become concerned. Finally, we look at the types of disfluencies. Disfluencies involving the repetition of a whole rode or part of a phrase are not as much of a danger sign as repetition of just a sound or even syllable. Examples <like-like-like this> <or like-or like-or-like> this are not as serious as <d-d-d-d-doint> this. Sound prolongations <lllllike> this are also among the danger signs. Another danger sign is when the child is becomming aware, and reacting negatively to his disfluencies. If he is showing awareness, surprise, frustration, feeling that he is "not talking correctly" would be danger signs.
I believe your child should receive a complete evaluation. I also encourage you to go to: www.stutteringhomepage.com and read the sections dealing with stuttering in children. Also, under the link to Information About Stuttering there is a nice section with information for parents.
Best wishes, and good luck.
Steve Hood