Stuttering affects about 3 million adults in the United States, although most people who stutter start to show symptoms as early as age 2, or whenever they start learning to talk. In this article, Ability Central will address the symptoms and early signs of a stutter, including:

• What are the early signs of a developmental stuttering?
• When should a parent seek a diagnosis for a childhood stutter?
• What are the symptoms of neurogenic stuttering?
• What are the symptoms of psychogenic stuttering?
• What is the correlation between Tourette’s Syndrome and stuttering?
• What kind of specialist should I see about stuttering or stammering?
• What should I do to prepare for the appointment?
• Where can I get more information about stuttering?

What are the early signs of a developmental stuttering?

Stuttering symptoms involve a person repeating words, sounds, or syllables. A developmental stutter usually begins around 18-24 months and may come and go for several months. To understand the basics of stuttering, see 7 Facts You Might Not Know About Stuttering.

When stuttering begins in early childhood, it is called a developmental stutter. Early signs include:

• Adding a sound or word to a phrase. This is called injection. For example: "I, um, need to go to the bathroom."
• Repeating whole words. For example: "Apples—apples and oranges."
• Repeating phrases. For example: "I am—I am 4 years old."
• Changing the words within the sentence. This is called revision. For example: "I had—I lost my cup."
• Not finishing a thought. For example: "My favorite food is . . . I can't remember what it’s called."

Most children who stutter grow out of it by age 5, but some carry their stutter into adolescence and adulthood. When this happens, it’s called a “persistent” stutter.

When should a parent seek a diagnosis of a childhood stutter?

A parent should talk to a specialist if:

• The stutter lasts six months or more
• There are other speech or language problems
• The stutter worsens
• The child struggles to socially interact with their peers
• The stuttering comes with muscle tightening or visible struggles to get words out
• The stutter causes anxiety or emotional problems

Pediatricians, family doctors, and schools often have a list of reputable specialists like speech language pathologists (SLPs) who can evaluate a speech and language impairment. 

In addition, Ability Central offers a searchable database of non-profits specializing in communication disabilities like speech disorders. These organizations offer connections to medical evaluations, therapy, treatment, and legal assistance for people who stutter. Use our Service Locator to find a nonprofit local to you. 

What are the symptoms of neurogenic stuttering?

New symptoms of stuttering in adults may be related to neurogenic stuttering. This type of stammer may begin after an injury or disease that affects the central nervous system, like a stroke, meningitis, or a tumor. 

Neurogenic stuttering symptoms may include:

• Excessive levels of disfluencies
• Hesitations and pauses in speech
• Not finishing words
• Adding extra sounds or words while speaking
• Rapid bursts of speech that may not be easy to understand
• New movements in the lips, jaw, or tongue while speaking

What are the symptoms of psychogenic stuttering?

Psychogenic stuttering is also called psychogenic disfluency or psychogenic speech disorder. It often emerges suddenly in adulthood, triggered by trauma or emotional stress. The symptoms of psychogenic stuttering are the same as neurological stuttering, but they are related to psychological or emotional distress rather than physical injury. 

Psychogenic stuttering can also be considered a form of conversion disorder, which is a sudden onset of neurological symptoms (like blindness, paralysis, or seizures) that can’t be explained by injury or illness. 

Some causes of psychogenic studying might include:

• Severe anxiety or depression
• A history of childhood trauma or abuse
• A recent stressful or traumatic event, like a car accident or the death of a loved one

What is the correlation between Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) and stuttering?

There is a higher frequency of stuttering among people with Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) than in the general population, but having one diagnosis does not guarantee having the other. Not every person with Tourette’s stutters, although many people with Tourette’s have frequent speech disruptions in the form of tics, sudden, uncontrolled movements or noises.

One reason some medical professionals draw a connection between Tourette’s and stuttering is because some people who stutter may have functional difficulties in a part of the brain called the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia is an important control center for movement, and is possibly responsible for the neurological component of some tic disorders. There may not be a direct link between stuttering and TS, but given how often the two appear as co-existing conditions, more research is needed into potential connections between them.

To learn about Tourette’s Syndrome, see How To Recognize Symptoms of Tourette’s Syndrome.

What kind of specialist should I see for concerns about stuttering or stammering?

A speech language pathologist (SLP), also known as a speech therapist, is a healthcare professional trained to diagnose and treat speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. They work with individuals of all ages, although some specialize in speech therapy for either children or adults. In addition to stuttering, SLPs assess and provide therapy for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Speech sound disorders
• Language delays
• Voice disorders
• Aphasia

What should I do to prepare for the doctor's appointment?

The first place to discuss concerns over stuttering is with your pediatrician or primary care provider (PCP). Before the appointment, make a list that includes:

• Examples of the stuttering, with a recording if possible. 
• Age the stuttering started.
• Physical or mental health conditions.
• Medications and supplements.
• Any questions you may have about the condition, needed tests, and treatment options.

After the appointment, your PCP may refer you to a speech language pathologist (SLP) for further testing and treatment. 

Where can I get more information about stuttering?

To learn more about stuttering, see:

• 7 Facts You Might Not Know About Stuttering
• What Happens After a Stuttering Diagnosis?
• Long-Term Planning: The Key to Success with a Stutter