Stuttering & Fluency
If your child is stuttering, we’re here to support them in communicating more smoothly and with confidence
Stuttering & Fluency
If your child is stuttering, we’re here to support them in communicating more smoothly and with confidence
Understanding Stuttering in Children
Stuttering is a communication difference that affects the flow or fluency of speech. It may involve repetitions — repeating sounds (“b-b-ball”), syllables (“ba-ba-ball”), or whole words (“I-I-I want”). It can also involve prolongations — stretching sounds out (“ssssnake”) — or blocks, where your child gets stuck and no sound comes out, sometimes with visible tension.
Stuttering often begins between ages 2 to 5, when children’s language is developing rapidly. About 5% of children go through a period of stuttering, and the majority outgrow it by themselves. For some children, however, stuttering may continue, and early support can make a meaningful difference.
The exact cause of stuttering is not fully known, but it has a strong genetic and neurological basis. Factors such as excitement, anxiety, or pressure can sometimes make stuttering more noticeable.
When Should You Seek Support?
It may be helpful to speak to a speech therapist if you notice:
- Your child has been stuttering for more than 6 months
- There is a family history of stuttering
- Your child is showing frustration, avoidance, or awareness of their stuttering
- Stuttering is getting worse over time
- Your child’s stuttering includes tension, struggle, or secondary behaviours (e.g., eye blinking, head movements)
- Your child is over age 4 and still stuttering
Early assessment doesn’t commit you to therapy. It gives you information and a plan.
Our Approach to Stuttering
For preschool children (2–6 years)
We use evidence-based early intervention approaches, including parent-supported programs such as the Lidcombe Program where appropriate. Therapy is tailored to your child and family, and we guide you on how to support your child’s speech in everyday conversations in a way that feels comfortable and manageable.
For school-age children and teens
- Lidcombe Program — an evidence-based approach for young children who stutter, where we guide parents to support their child’s speech during everyday conversations
- Fluency shaping techniques — strategies to produce smoother speech
- Stuttering modification — helping your child speak with less tension and feel more in control when they get stuck
- Cognitive approaches — addressing thoughts and feelings about stuttering
- Communication confidence — building willingness to speak in all situations
- Self-advocacy skills — helping children understand and talk about their stuttering
For all ages
- Comprehensive assessment of stuttering severity, impact, and risk factors
- Parent education and coaching
- Collaboration with teachers and school staff when helpful
- Support for the whole family in understanding stuttering
FAQs
Will my child grow out of stuttering?
Many preschool children do recover naturally, especially in the first 6–12 months after onset. However, certain factors increase the risk of persistence: family history of stuttering, being male, stuttering for longer than 6–12 months, and increasing severity. An assessment can help evaluate these risk factors for your child.
Should I tell my child to slow down or take a breath?
These well-meaning suggestions can actually increase frustration and self-consciousness. Instead, model slow, relaxed speech yourself, maintain natural eye contact, and give your child time to finish without rushing. We’ll provide specific guidance tailored to your child during assessment or therapy.
What is the Lidcombe Program?
The Lidcombe Program is a behavioural treatment for young children who stutter (typically under age 6). Parents learn to provide structured verbal feedback during natural conversations. It’s one of the most well-researched stuttering treatments for preschoolers, with strong evidence for reducing stuttering.
Can stuttering come back after therapy?
Some children may experience periods of increased disfluency, particularly during times of excitement, fatigue, or rapid language growth. Our therapy includes strategies for managing these periods, and we offer follow-up support.
Does stuttering affect academic performance?
Stuttering itself doesn’t affect intelligence or learning ability. However, some children who stutter may participate less in class, avoid oral presentations, or experience social challenges. Our therapy addresses these functional impacts alongside the stuttering itself.
Concerned About Your Child’s Fluency?
Our speech therapists can assess your child’s stuttering and guide you on the best approach. Book a free discovery call to get started.
Let's connect!
We'd love to have a free 15-minute chat with you to discuss any queries you may have. Think of it as a friendly strategy session to help you explore your child's communication development.