At what age does the onset of stuttering typically occur?

The onset of stuttering typically occurs between the ages of 2 and 5 years. This period coincides with a critical time in language development for children, as they are rapidly expanding their vocabulary and beginning to formulate more complex sentences. As they try to express their thoughts and ideas, some children may experience disruptions in their fluency, leading to stuttering.

During this age range, many children may go through normal disfluencies as they acquire language skills, which can sometimes manifest as stuttering. It is essential to monitor these speech patterns since, for many, the disfluencies may resolve on their own, but for some, early intervention can be beneficial. Identifying the onset during these formative years allows for targeted support if the stuttering persists.

The other age ranges provided do not typically align with the established pattern of stuttering onset, as stuttering is uncommon before the age of 2 and less likely to begin after age 5 without prior indications.