Stuttering
Stuttering
Support for fluency and confident talking.
What it is
Stuttering is a difference in the flow of speech. Sounds, words or phrases may be repeated, stretched or blocked. It usually begins between two and five years of age, often after a period of typical talking.
Stuttering is not caused by parenting, nerves or personality. It is a neurological difference in how speech is produced, and it varies from day to day and situation to situation.
Many young children who stutter stop without therapy, but it is hard to predict who will. Evidence-based programs for preschool children are effective, so it is worth having an assessment early rather than waiting.
Signs to look for
Repeating sounds or words
Sounds, syllables or whole words are repeated, such as 'I-I-I want'.
Stretching or blocking
Sounds are stretched out, or speech gets stuck before it starts.
Physical tension
Extra effort, blinking or movement around the face when speaking.
Avoiding talking
Your child avoids words, situations or speaking up because of stuttering.
How we can help
Assessment
We listen to speech across situations and talk about how stuttering affects daily life.
Evidence-based programs
We use approaches with strong research support, matched to your child's age and needs.
Parent involvement
For young children, parents and carers are active partners in therapy at home.
Confidence at school
For older children, we support confident talking in class and with friends.
Ideas to try at home
- Give your child time to finish. Try not to finish words for them.
- Keep eye contact and respond to what they said, not how they said it.
- Slow your own pace of talking a little, without asking your child to slow down.
Common questions from parents
When should we get help for stuttering?
We suggest an assessment if stuttering has continued for more than a few months, is getting more frequent, or your child seems worried or frustrated by it.
Did I cause my child's stutter?
No. Stuttering is not caused by parenting. Parents do play a helpful role in therapy, especially for young children.
Can stuttering therapy be done by telehealth?
Yes. Stuttering programs work well by secure video, which many families find convenient.
Not sure whether this is the right service? Contact us and we will talk it through, or read our frequently asked questions and fees and funding.