[Diagnostics and therapy of stuttering children]

We demonstrate an overall concept for the early diagnosis and therapy of stuttering in early childhood. The idiographic view of childhood stuttering is detailed and a screening instrument presented to help decide between normal development of fluent speech and actual stuttering and hence whether referral is appropriate or not. The previously held dictum that the stuttering preschool child should be left alone is wrong - early diagnosis and intervention are important. The article shows that direct intervention of stuttering in preschool children is possible and does make sense. Because the prognosis for fluent speech diminishes rapidly from as early as age eight, the risk factors for chronic stuttering must be found and early therapy begun.