School Bulletins 
is a regular feature in the ASHA publication 
Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in the Schools 

They may be photocopied without permission and reproduced as 
public relations tools for handouts, as newletter items, etc. to inform 
parents, teachers, and administrators about the role of the speech-
language pathologist and the services they provide. The following 
bulletin appeared in the April, 1992 issue of LSHSS, 
23(2), p. 100
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Dear Parents:

	Speech fluency frequently develops with age.  Many children 
between the ages of 2 and 7 break up the normal flow of speech.  
These disfluencies usually take the form of interjections, revisions of 
a message, or easy whole-word or phrase repetitions. Concerns over 
the development of stuttering problems may occur when these 
disfluencies are very frequent, are accompanied by tension, continue 
for a long time, and/or change in form to include frequent repetitions 
of parts of words, prolonging sounds or opening the mouth to speak 
without would coming out.  

For many children, disfluencies are a normal part of their speech 
development and are not a cause for concern.  For others, this is the 
beginning of a stuttering pattern they will not outgrow.  
Approximately four out of five children who "stutter" during 
childhood achieve normal fluency later in life.  Early identification 
and intervention are critical factors in helping the child to develop 
fluency.  How can one tell the difference?

As your school's speech-language pathologist.  I will listen to the 
child's speech in a variety of communication situations.  I will listen 
for the types and patterns of the disfluencies.  In addition, I will ask 
you questions such as:  Is there a family history of stuttering?  Do 
disfluencies change according to the situation?  Does your child avoid 
using certain words or speech situations because of the disfluency?  
Are disfluencies becoming more frequent or severe?  How concerned 
are and your child about the disfluencies?  After the evaluation, I 
will provide suggestions on how you should handle the disfluencies 
and provide services, if needed.

It is best to consult a speech-language pathologist to learn how to 
handle your child's disfluencies.  I would be happy to discuss any 
concerns you have now.

						Sincerely,

						Speech-Language Pathologist