How is toddler stuttering related to stress?

Toddler stuttering is not directly related to stress. While studies originally hypothesized that stuttering was caused as a reaction to childhood trauma, later scientific studies proved that stress is not a cause of toddler stuttering. Stress can however be an aggravating factor.

Speech and language experts point out four main causes of stuttering among toddlers: family history, though this is still debatable; neurophysiology; child development issues with speech; and family dynamics. Little evidence supports the notion that toddlers stutter due to emotional upheaval. Stuttering toddlers are helped when adults create opportunities where the child can express himself in a relaxed and fun way.