When does stuttering typically first appear in children?

Stuttering typically first appears in preschool years, around ages 2 to 5. This is a critical period in language development, as children are rapidly acquiring speech and language skills. During this stage, some children may struggle with fluency as they try to express themselves and keep up with their developing language abilities. It's common for young children to experience some disfluency as they experiment with language and learn to communicate more complex thoughts.

The onset of stuttering occurring in the preschool years is significant because, for many children, it can be a temporary phase that resolves as they mature and gain more control over their speech. Early intervention can be beneficial in helping these children manage their speech difficulties, and understanding the typical timing of stuttering can aid parents and educators in recognizing when to seek help.

In contrast, the other options relate to different stages of development. The appearance at birth or during school age doesn’t align with the typical developmental timeline for stuttering onset, as it is primarily associated with the preschool years when children are enhancing their verbal skills.