Genetic abnormalities

Emotional stress

Any trauma to brain or infection problems or changes in the structure or shape of the muscles and bones used to make speech sounds.

Damage to parts of the brain or the nerves (such as from cerebral palsy) Hearing loss.Acid from the stomach moving upward (GERD)

Cancer of the throat

Cleft palate or other problems with the palate

Conditions that damage the nerves that supply the muscles of the vocal cords

Laryngeal webs or clefts

Overuse of the vocal cords from screaming, constantly clearing the throat, or singing

Hearing loss

Repetition of sounds, words, or parts of words or phrases after age 4

Putting in (interjecting) extra sounds or words

Making words longer

Pausing during a sentence or words, often with the lips together

Tension in the voice or sounds

Frustration with attempts to communicate

Head jerking while talking

Eye blinking while talking

Embarrassment with speech

Avoid expressing too much concern about the problems.

Avoid stressful social situations whenever possible.

Listen patiently to the child, make eye contact,

Set aside time for talking.

American Institute for Stuttering

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

The Stuttering Foundation

National Stuttering Association (NSA)