Stuttering

Stuttering is a speech disorder that disrupts the natural flow of speech. These disruptions—called disfluencies—may include:

• Repetitions: Repeating sounds or syllables (e.g., “b-b-ball”)
• Prolongations: Stretching out sounds (e.g., “sssssock”)
• Blocks: Getting “stuck” or pausing mid-word
• Facial tension, pitch or volume changes
• Frustration or visible struggle when speaking
• Avoiding certain words or speaking situations

Stuttering is not caused by anxiety, poor parenting, or emotional trauma. It is a neurodevelopmental condition, often with a genetic basis. It is also not a reflection of intelligence or language ability.

When Does Stuttering Start?

Stuttering typically begins between ages 2 and 6, during a time of rapid speech and language growth. Some children begin to repeat words or sounds, while others may develop blocks or prolongations. The onset may be sudden or gradual, and often follows a period of fluent speech.

While it’s common for young children to go through a temporary disfluent phase, persistent or increasing stuttering may require professional assessment and support.

Stuttering in Children (Under 6 Years)

In preschoolers, stuttering can be part of normal development and may resolve on its own within 6 months. However, some children are more likely to continue stuttering. Risk factors for persistent stuttering include:

• Family history of stuttering
• Being male (boys are 2–4 times more likely to stutter long-term)
• Onset after age 3.5
• Stuttering lasting longer than 6–12 months
• Presence of speech or language delays
• Child expressing frustration or awareness of the problem

Stuttering in Older Children, Teens, and Adults

If stuttering persists beyond age 6, it may become more entrenched and emotionally complex. Older children and adults may experience:

• Increased anxiety or tension around speaking
• Avoidance of speaking in certain situations
• Difficulty in high-pressure or fast-paced conversations
• Lower self-confidence and frustration with communication

Even though stuttering can become more resistant to change with age, there are still highly effective therapy options available.

A speech-language pathologist can help if:

• Stuttering has lasted more than 6 months
• Your child shows frustration, tension, or avoidance
• There is a family history of stuttering
• The stuttering is becoming more frequent or effortful
• Your child is older than 3.5 years and newly stuttering

At Magic Beans, our therapists are trained in multiple evidence-based approaches, such as the Lidcombe Program, the Camperdown Program, and syllable-timed speech.

• Therapy for preschoolers: The Lidcombe Program is a well-researched parent-led, therapist-supported approach that includes positive feedback for fluent speech, gentle correction during daily conversations and regular guidance from a trained speech therapist. The Lidcombe Program is highly effective when started in the preschool years.
• Therapy for Older Children and Adults: For older children and adults, therapy focuses on speech restructuring, where the individual learns a new technique of speaking to manage and minimise their stuttering. Syllable-Timed Speech involves speaking with a steady rhythm, and has been shown to be effective, especially for school-aged children and teenagers. The Camperdown Program teaches a fluency technique called prolonged speech, and teaches adolescents and adults to self-monitor and troubleshoot independently.

Our therapists may sometimes use a primary approach alongside other techniques, depending on age, learning style, and individual needs.

The Outlook Is Bright

With the right support, many individuals who stutter go on to speak fluently or learn to manage their stutter confidently.

References

https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/stuttering/

https://lidcombeprogram.org/families-care-givers/stuttering-in-0-6-yrs/

Yairi, E., & Ambrose, N. G. (2013). Epidemiology of stuttering: 21st century advances. Journal of Fluency Disorders, 38(2), 66–87.