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Expert Q&A
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| By Mindy Hudon Speech and Language Pathologist | ||
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My 2 1/2-year-old was speaking so well and advanced for his age. In the past week he has really started stuttering and at the same time batting his eyes and doing odd neck jerking. We just don't understand how he lost ability to say words he had been saying for a year. We are very concerned. What could be causing this?
Sometimes as part of normal language development, many children may go through a period that we call "normal nonfluency of speech." As children are developing language, they often have so much to say that they can't get it out quick enough thus resulting in repetition of words and sounds. I am not sure if this is what is going on with your son, but these changes should be discussed with your pediatrician. He/she knows your child best and will be better able to guide you.
In the mean time, make sure that you allow your child "speaking time." Stop and listen to what he is trying to say. Don't tell him to stop or slow down! Listen and then slowly repeat what he had said. This suggestion is not intended as a form of treatment, just a suggestion to help you communicate with your child at this time. It is important to discuss this with your pediatrician. For more information visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association at www.asha.org.
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