Factors related to the onset of stuttering in preschool children

Abstract

This investigation provides new information on the onset of stuttering and explores various factors at the onset especially stress. Data was obtained from 73 preschool children through parent interviews, using informal questionnaires. The results indicate that the onset tends to occur at an earlier age than previously thought as mentioned by E. Yairi, and the onset of stuttering in girls is earlier than boys. Physical or emotional stress and familial histories of stuttering were reported for many of the participating children. We mentioned that the sudden onset group of girls had been exposed to a great deal of stress and we therefore assume that we cannot ignore the relationship between the role of stress and the onset of stuttering.

Key Words:

• infant stutterer
• onset of stuttering
• sudden onset of stuttering
• gradual onset of stuttering
• stress