Department of Speech Pathology

Speech & Language Disorders

Symptoms of a stuttering problem may include:

Repetition of:
- Sounds (“c-c-candy”)
- One syllable words (“I-I want more.")
- Entire words with more than one syllable (“Swimming-swimming is fun.”)
- Phrases (“I want-I want to see that”)
Pauses:
- Using word interruptions (“What am I – um – supposed to do?”)
- Within words (“I am try [pause] ing.”)
- With lips pursed, but without saying words
Drawn-out words (“The water looks greeeeeeeen.”)
Substitution of simple words to avoid saying difficult ones (such as saying “tin foil” instead of “aluminum foil”)
Use of incomplete phrases ("I want ... go ... store")
Abrupt changes of words or thoughts (“I went to – where did you get that?”)
Feeling embarrassed, anxious, and fearful about speaking
Obvious signs of tension or discomfort while speaking
Accompanying behaviors, such as
- Blinking
- Facial ticks
- Lip tremors
- Muscle tension in the mouth, jaw, or neck
- Unusual body movements