From Stammering to Stuttering: Understanding and Supporting Children’s Speech Development
Stammering, stuttering, and dysfluency—these terms are often used to describe the same way of talking, leaving many wondering, 'What’s the difference?' The truth is, they all refer to the same speech difficulty, one that interrupts the natural flow of speech. While stammering can occur in both children and adults, it typically starts in childhood. One in every 12 children (8%) stammer at some point.
What does stammering look or sound like?
Individuals who stammer might demonstrate one or more of the following at any stage in their sentence:
- Repetition of sounds or syllables e.g. “c-c-c an w-w-we play”
- Repetition of whole words e.g. “can-can-can I have a drink”
- Prolonging or stretching of sounds, e.g. “sssssssometimes I play with lego”
- Physical- Some people may demonstrate physical signs of effort when stammering, e.g. tensing of muscles or blinking.
- Blockages- your tongue and lips are in position to say a word, but everything feels stuck. For example, “-------- Do you want a drink?”
How can I support a child who stammers?
- Slow down your rate of speech when talking to the child who stammers and use longer pauses. This allows the conversation to remain calm and relaxed.
- Do not tell the child to slow down when they are talking. Instead, use phrases such as “there is plenty of time.”
- Do not interrupt the child when they are talking, try, and allow them to finish their sentence.
- If you feel like your child has some awareness of their stammer, it is okay to acknowledge it. When they stammer, phrases such as "that got a bit sticky" (or bumpy) or “don’t worry there is no rush” provides the child with reassurance that it is okay to stammer and they have time to express their thoughts.
- Special Time- This is 5 minutes of playtime, happening 3-5 times a week, that you spend with the child. This is all about spending 1:1 time with the child where there are no surrounding distractions and your attention is all on them.
Living with a stammer is a journey that encourages patience, resilience, and understanding. It’s a reminder that every voice, no matter how it is expressed, deserves to be heard, respected, and valued for its unique perspective.
To conclude, watch this heartfelt video below, featuring Sam, a young boy who wrote a poem about his stammer. In it, he opens up about his personal experiences and the emotions that come with having a stammer. The poem is brought to life by a group of incredible children who also have their own journey with stammering.
Sam’s Poem “I have a stammer” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aWSkk0UTH0
Useful links and resources:
Primary school - The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering
A Guide To Stammering: For Teachers | STAMMA
Top tips from the MPC - The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering
Help If Your Child Stammers | STAMMA
MPC helpline - The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering
