About Stuttering in Children

Does your child repeat words, sounds or phrases? Do they seem to get "stuck" when they talk? Are you worried they may have a stutter? An assessment with a speech pathologist can determine whether your child is stuttering and can suggest ways to help.

Stuttering is a disruption in the flow of speech. This can be when words, sounds or phrases are repeated or prolonged (stretched out). Sometimes the flow of speech stops altogether (called blocking). Research indicates that stuttering occurs in around 5% of children under the age of five years. Stuttering is not related to the child’s personality or intelligence and is not caused by the way parents interact with their child. Stuttering can be effectively treated in the preschool years by a speech pathologist. Stuttering is more common in boys than girls, has a genetic link and is thought to be related to the processing of messages in the brain. The exact cause is unknown.

Stuttering most commonly begins between ages two and five years. Some children in this age range go through a period of “normal non-fluency” which is when stuttering disappears in time without therapy. It is hard to tell which children will grow out of stuttering and which will continue to have difficulties. Recent literature in the field recommends that all children who stutter are seen by a speech pathologist for early intervention.

Speech pathologists at Talking Matters can assess a child who is stuttering and assist families with supporting their child using the evidence based Lidcombe program.

Make an appointment

Making an appointment to get started is easy. Contact us by phoning (08) 8255 7137 or send us an email enquiry to arrange an assessment of your child's speech skills.