Stammering

What is Stammering? 

Stammering and stuttering are the same. In the UK we tend to use Stammer and in America/Australia they tend to use Stutter. Stammering can look different person to person. Some people will repeat whole words or part of words. Some will hold onto the sounds in a word and others will get stuck on a word.

Stammering often starts when a child is learning to talk around 2-5 years old.

Lots of children will stammer as they are learning language and others will continue for longer. 1% of the adult population stammer. Men are more likely to stammer than women.

Why is my child finding talking more difficult? 

There are lots of things that may make talking harder for a child who has a stammer such as being excited or tired, using more difficult language or speaking in front of a group.

What can I do to help? 

Part of therapy with a Speech and Language Therapist is to help the adults working with the child, to understand what makes talking easier for them. This may include looking at the child’s environment, building on their other communication skills and supporting the thoughts and feelings a child and their family may have around their stammer.

We know that early help is best 

We know that early referral is best for advice on how to support your child’s talking. Please contact the service if you would like to discuss your child’s talking more.