Stuttering in children
7-minute read
Key facts
- Stuttering (stammering) is a speech disorder that stops the natural flow of speech.
- The exact cause of stuttering is not known — but it's related to how your brain controls speech.
- Stuttering can affect anyone — whatever language you speak.
- All young children who begin to stutter or stammer should get treatment.
- A speech pathologist can help your child with their stuttering.
What is stuttering?
Stuttering is a speech disorder. It stops the natural flow of speech and can make it hard to talk.
Children who stutter know what they want to say but have difficulty saying it. Some children stutter occasionally, others all the time. It can vary depending on the situation. It might stop for a while and then start again.
It's common for children between the ages of 3 to 4 years to go through periods of stuttering. It might start overnight or build up slowly.
For most children, this is part of learning to speak, and it gets better on its own. It's rare for adults to begin stuttering or stammering.
What symptoms are related to stuttering?
Symptoms of stuttering can vary greatly between children and may include:
- repetition of a sound word or phrase
- making a word longer than normal
- silent blocks when your child tries to speak but no sound comes out
Your child may also make physical movements, such as:
- blinking
- grimacing
- tensing
Stuttering can get worse with tiredness or stress. Stuttering can be very mild to very severe.
What causes stuttering?
Stuttering or stammering is related to how the brain controls speech. This means that it's a physical disorder.
Stuttering isn't caused by:
- tiredness
- anxiety
- parenting practices
- low intelligence
- a specific event
While anxiety does not cause stuttering, it can make it worse. This can then make the anxiety worse creating a negative cycle.
Males are more likely to stutter than females. About 1 in 100 people have a stutter. Stuttering runs in some families.
Stuttering can affect anyone. It doesn't matter what language you speak.
It's hard to tell whether a child will recover naturally from stuttering or if they will need treatment.
How is the cause of stuttering diagnosed?
The speech pathologist will assess your child's speech. They may ask if anyone else in your family has had a stutter.
They will count the number of syllables your child stammers. This will be compared to the total number of syllables your child speaks.
A syllable is the unit of sound (or beats) in a word. For example, "el-e-phant" has 3 syllables.
Classification of stuttering
Your child's stuttering will be graded based on how much of their speech is affected.
- mild = less than 5% of syllables affected
- mild to moderate = 5-10% of syllables affected
- moderate = 10-15% of syllables affected
- moderate to severe = 15-20% of syllables affected
- severe = more than 20% of syllables affected
When should I see my doctor?
If you're concerned about your child's speech, take them to your doctor or child and family health nurse.
You can also make an appointment directly with a speech pathologist. Speech pathologists will help you set treatment goals for your child. They will support you and your child to work towards these goals.
It's recommended that all pre-school aged children who begin to stutter should get treatment. Treatment is more effective at this age.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
How is stuttering treated?
The type of treatment your child gets will depend on their age and how bad their stutter is.
Treatment Programs
For children younger than 6 years of age who are stuttering, there are 3 evidence-based treatments:
- the Lidcombe Program
- RESTART-DCM — is based on understanding stuttering
- the Westmead and Oakville Programs — you and your child learn to speak in a rhythmic way together
The Lidcombe Program is the best treatment for pre-school children. Your child will attend therapy once a week. They will be given speech tasks to practice at home. You will be taught how to support them at home.
How can I support my child?
When talking with your child who stutters:
- be patient — let them finish what they are saying
- try not to interrupt or finish their sentences
- show interest in what they're saying
- speak to them normally
- reassure them that you're listening to what they say
Things to avoid:
- teasing your child about their stutter
- giving advice about how to speak — this may make them feel self-conscious
- medicines for stuttering
There are no medicines to help with stammering or stuttering.
What are the complications of stuttering?
Stuttering can have a strong and negative effect on your child's view of themself and their social relationships.
Children who stutter are at risk of developing social anxiety. This happens because of the negative feedback they get about the stammer.
Can stuttering be prevented?
Because the cause isn't known, stuttering or stammering cannot be prevented.
Resources and support
You can find out more about stuttering at the Communication Hub.
You may want to join the Speak Easy Association — Australia which provides support to people who stutter and their families.
Learn more about different treatment approaches:
- Lidcombe Program
- Oakville Program
- RESTART-DCM
- Westmead Program
- Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
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Last reviewed: February 2025
