Fluency

Stuttering in childhood is a common communication difficulty that may develop between the ages of two and five and affects the fluency and flow of speech.

It can present in different ways but often involves repeating words or parts of words, stretching out sounds or struggling to get words out.

Speech pathologists are trained to identify the difference between dysfluency that can occur in typical development and a stutter which requires early help for best outcomes.

When to seek help

If your child’s stuttering happens a lot, gets worse or happens with facial or body movements, see a speech pathologist as soon as possible. 

You may need to seek help if your child:

• struggles to get words out, i.e. airflow stops and the word is ‘blocked’

• gets stuck on a sound and stretches it out

• repeats sounds and syllables often

• repeats whole words and phrases consistently

• shows tension in the body or face when trying to speak

• shows unusual body or facial movements when trying to get a word out, (e.g. blinking)

• changes or avoids certain words because of worrying about stuttering

• avoids situations where talking is required