Early Childhood Stuttering

Abstract

A nationwide survey of pediatricians was conducted to assess their practices with and attitudes and beliefs about young children who stutter and their stuttering. Data obtained from 439 respondents were analyzed. The findings indicated mixed trends. Although the opinions of the majority of the pediatricians agreed with current information about stuttering, on several important matters a significant percentage held outdated or erroneous beliefs about the etiology of the disorder or characteristics of young children who stutter. Beliefs about etiology appeared to influence opinion of treatment choice with a strong tendency for delaying intervention and a preference for parent-oriented intervention. Respondents were inconsistent in their interpretation of early diagnostic signs of stuttering. Interest among pediatricians in obtaining updated information about stuttering was strong. Practical implications for speech-language pathologists are discussed.