[My child stutters! Which speech disorders are to be treated by a specialist?].

The etiology of stuttering is multifactorial. Developmental disturbances in "speech flow" usually clear up within six months. However, inappropriate reactions on the part of the child's surroundings (parents, unqualified physicians), but also psychosocial problems, may consolidate the disorder. Chronic stuttering may, under certain circumstances have far-reaching consequences for communication and social behavior, and even impact negatively on the victim's subsequent occupational life. A qualified diagnostic work-up leading to appropriate early pedaudiological and logopedic therapeutic measures can prevent this negative development.