Stuttering
Stuttering is when the smooth flow of speech gets interrupted. A child might repeat sounds or words, stretch sounds out, or get stuck before a word comes out. It is common in young children and often starts between ages 2 and 5. Early intervention is best, but it’s never too late. We also help older children and teenagers who stutter to talk with more ease and confidence.
When to get in touch: if stuttering has lasted more than 6 months, your child seems worried or frustrated about talking, or someone in the family stutters.
What it helps with
- Repeating sounds and wordsSuch as “b-b-ball” or “I-I-I want that”.
- Stretching soundsHolding a sound for longer, such as “sssssun”.
- Getting stuckMoments where the word won’t come out, sometimes called blocks.
- Extra effort when talkingTension in the face or body, blinking or looking away while trying to speak.
- Avoiding talkingSwapping words, talking less, or staying quiet in some situations.
- Feelings about talkingEasing worry or frustration, and building confidence to speak up.
What you get
- An assessment of your child’s talking and how stuttering affects them
- Evidence-based therapy suited to your child’s age, from toddlers to teens
- Coaching for parents to support smoother talking at home
- Simple strategies for everyday conversations
- Support at kindy or school, with teachers when helpful
- Growing confidence to talk, join in and be heard
Our approach
Our therapists are trained in the Lidcombe Program, an evidence-based treatment for young children who stutter, where parents learn to give simple feedback during everyday talking. For older children and teenagers, therapy focuses on easier speaking techniques and on confidence.
Noticing your child stutter?
Get in touch for a chat about your child and the best way to get started.