Understanding the Difference Between Stuttering and Expressive Language Processing Disorders: A Guide for Parents
By: Mary Claire Burge, CCC-SLP
As a speech-language pathologist, one of the most common concerns I hear from families is, “My child is having trouble getting words out—do they stutter?” It’s an important question, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. While both stuttering and expressive language processing disorders can make it difficult for a child to communicate effectively, they are two distinct challenges, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches.
Let’s break it down together.
Stuttering is a speech fluency disorder. It affects the flow of speech, often causing a person to repeat sounds, syllables, or words; stretch out sounds; or get “stuck” when trying to speak.
Common characteristics of stuttering include:
- Repetitions (e.g., “I-I-I want that” or “Can-can-can I go?”)
- Prolongations (e.g., “Ssssssometimes I go there”)
- Blocks (pauses where no sound comes out, even though the person is trying to speak)
- Physical tension or struggle when speaking
- Secondary behaviors like blinking, facial grimacing, or avoiding eye contact
It’s important to note that people who stutter typically know exactly what they want to say—they’re just having trouble getting it out smoothly.
An expressive language processing disorder (also known as an expressive language disorder) is a language-based issue, not a fluency issue. It affects a child’s ability to organize and use language to express thoughts, ideas, or emotions.
Signs of expressive language difficulties may include:
- Trouble finding the right word
- Short or incomplete sentences
- Grammatical errors (e.g., “Him go to park”)
- Difficulty telling stories or retelling events in order
- Limited vocabulary compared to peers
- Saying “stuff” or “thing” instead of naming objects or concepts
Unlike stuttering, these children may not always know exactly what they want to say, or they may struggle with how to say it in a grammatically correct and meaningful way.
If you’re unsure which issue your child might be experiencing, a speech-language evaluation is a great first step. A certified SLP can assess your child’s communication skills and tailor a plan to their specific needs.
Early support can make a big difference—and the earlier we begin, the better the outcomes.
Our Midtown Charlotte and Pineville based Speech-Language Therapists won GOLD, and had the honor of being voted Charlotte’s Best Speech Therapy Practice in 2024! To schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with a speech therapist, call us at 704-332-4834 or request an appointment online.
