Stuttering in Children: Myths, Facts, and When to Seek Help

Understanding Stuttering in Young Children

Stuttering — or stammering, as it is also called — is a disruption in the flow of speech. It can involve repeating sounds, syllables, or words ("I-I-I want that"), prolonging sounds ("Sssssnake"), or getting stuck on a word with no sound coming out at all.

It is one of the most misunderstood areas of speech and language development, so let's clear up some common myths.

Myth: It's Just a Phase — All Kids Do It

Partly true, but not a reason to ignore it.

Yes, many children between ages 2 and 5 go through a period of disfluency as their language develops faster than their ability to produce it. This "normal disfluency" typically looks like whole-word or phrase repetitions ("and and and then...") and tends to resolve within 6 months.

True stuttering is different — it involves repetitions of sounds and syllables, prolongations, and physical tension. About 5% of children stutter at some point, and roughly 75% will recover naturally. But that means 1 in 4 will not.

Myth: Stuttering Is Caused by Anxiety or Trauma

False.

Stuttering is a neurological condition — it's about how the brain coordinates the complex muscle movements involved in speech. It is not caused by nervousness, bad parenting, emotional trauma, or being made to feel anxious about speaking.

That said, stress and excitement can make stuttering worse. A child who stutters more when nervous isn't "doing it on purpose" or reacting to something wrong in their environment.

Myth: You Should Tell the Child to Slow Down or Think Before Speaking

Please don't.

Instructions like "slow down," "start again," or "take a breath" can make a child more self-conscious and worsen stuttering over time. Instead, give your child your full, unhurried attention when they speak. Model a calm, slightly slower speaking pace yourself — don't directly comment on theirs.

When

Should I Be Concerned?

Seek a speech and language assessment if:

• Your child has been stuttering for more than 6 months
• Stuttering started after age 3.5
• You notice physical tension — eye blinking, facial grimacing, fist clenching — during stuttered moments
• Your child has started avoiding speaking situations (not wanting to answer questions, staying quiet in groups)
• There is a family history of persistent stuttering
• Your child is a boy (males are 3–4x more likely to have persistent stuttering)
• You or your child are distressed about the stuttering

Early treatment leads to significantly better outcomes, and intervention with preschoolers is especially effective.

What

Does Therapy Look Like?

For young children (under 6), therapy typically involves parents directly. The most well-researched approach is the Lidcombe Programme, an evidence-based treatment delivered by a speech-language therapist where parents learn to give specific, positive feedback during everyday conversations. It has strong evidence for resolving stuttering in young children.

For older children and teenagers, therapy focuses on fluency techniques, communication confidence, and addressing any anxiety around speaking.

How to Help at Home

• Give your full attention — put down your phone, get down to their level, make eye contact
• Don't finish their sentences — let them complete what they want to say
• Pause before you respond — this naturally slows the pace of conversation
• Create low-pressure speaking opportunities — reading books together, one-on-one chat, no audience
• Don't react to the stuttering — maintain normal eye contact and respond to what they said, not how they said it

Getting Help in New Zealand

If you're in the Helensville, Kumeu, or Waimauku area — or anywhere in New Zealand via video — Sally Says offers assessment and therapy for children who stutter. We use evidence-based approaches and work closely with families to support both the child and those around them.

Join our waitlist to secure a place when we open for new clients.