Stuttering is a common speech disorder that begins in childhood and affects millions of people worldwide, including more than three million in the United States. News On 6 anchor Leanne Taylor shared more in this week’s Medical Minute .

Who is affected by stuttering?

Experts estimate that about 5% of children experience stuttering lasting six months or longer. While many recover naturally, roughly 25% continue to stutter into adulthood. Boys are more likely than girls to be affected, with a ratio of about 4-to-1 in adults and 1.4-to-1 in preschool-aged children.

Possible causes

Family history and genetics are leading factors, but environment also plays a role. For example, a child in a busy household may feel pressured to compete for attention, which can influence speech patterns.

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