Do I need to pursue Speech Therapy?

Rachel goes through "stuttering fits" when she is experiencing high levels of stress or excitement. She has been stuttering for the past 2 weeks, and she had a period of stuttering sometime last year or maybe 18 months ago. She seems to be getting better and better as our home environment settles, but DH and I are concerned. (DH more than me)

Alexis has trouble with s- blend words. She talks about going "up-tairs" to the "tore" or "pilling" something. When I correct her, she tries again, but ends up making a snake sound and then saying the word as before. SSSSSSS. Tore. for store.

To get them evaluated, do I call the public school system first, or where do I call?
TIA

 

Annie did that during 2 separate time periods when she was 3. Each time she grew out of it. The final time we were getting Joey evaluated and the paperwork lady noticed and gave us the number to call for Annie. By the time our call was returned she was fine.

Joey was doing a bit of stuttering in May, then stopped. Now she seems to have started again. I am not worrying yet, but I am keeping an ear on it.

 

alexis is still at an age where she will be "consolidating" her consonant blends. the ability to join the consonants especially s-(your daughter is an example), r- ("bed" for bread) and l- ("banket" for blanket) blends usually comes in preschool. i am more experienced with this in spanish, so i'm not sure what the time frames are for speech issues in english (most of my post-college work has been here in mexico, and these are things i've learned "in the field" as i didn't study speech development). but, it sounds normal for her age, just keep demonstrating the correct pronunciation, don't fall into saying it her way because it's "cute".

the stuttering can happen at this age because they can think faster than they speak. if it is happening is particularly exciting situations, i would wait on it, and tell her to calm down and take a breath before she speaks. maybe mention it to your ped if you are very concerned, but give it a bit--about 2 to 3 weeks.

HTH

 

When both my boys are excited, they stutter to get their sentences out. This is pretty normal from what I was told by a Speech teacher in my school.
They also don't say the letter "s" in front of words, which to me, I love hearing them say "stick" cause it sounds like...well, you can guess! I will just correct them and say it the right way.

 

I agree that both of these things are normal for children that age. Both my dd2 and ds1 did a little of the stuttering thing, went away within 2 or 3 weeks. And the s is a hard one to get. However, if you are concerned, it's ok to get them evaluated. In my state, age 3 goes through the school system. Under 3 doesn't (although I did call the school to get it started anyway with ds1). I called and asked to talk to the early education speech pathologist, and they will tell you who to call. Or even if that is something to worry about. Heck, just call that person and inquire whether an evaluation is neccessary!

 

What you have described sounds normal. Of course you could call and request an evaluation, but I am sure they would meet with you informally and tell you that they do not qualify for testing/formal evaluation at this time. I have sat in on preschool IEPs for speech, and there have been children with far worse speech patterns that still did not qualify (because they are still within the range of normal sound production).

The s-blends at the beginning of words (st, sp, sm, etc.) come later. I want to say 4, but it may even be 6. I know a good old fashioned lisp is developmental until age 6.