Stammering, which is also known as stuttering, is when a child:

• repeats a sound or word, for example “r-r-red”
• prolongs a sound, for example “mmmmummy”
• gets stuck and no sound comes out when they are trying to talk.

There may also be signs of visible tension as the child works hard to get the word out.

We do not know exactly what causes stammering, but research shows that there are many factors that can influence a child's fluency.

About 5 per cent of children will stammer at some point, often between the ages of two and five years, when speech and language skills are developing rapidly and children begin using longer and more complex sentences.

Stammering can run in families, so a child may be more likely to stammer if there is a family history of stammering.

For most children, stammering resolves naturally within a few weeks or months. If your child continues to stammer, support from a Speech and Language Therapist may be helpful to introduce strategies that support talking.

What can you do to help?

• Give the child time and space to talk. If they get stuck in a moment of stammering, do not interrupt or finish the sentence for them. Give them time to say what they want to say.
• Show that you are interested in what they are saying, rather than how they are saying it. It is important for children to learn that it is okay to stammer and that it is not something they need to hide.
• Maintain natural eye contact when they are finding talking difficult and try not to change your facial expression.
• Try not to show anxiety about how they are talking.
• Reduce the number of questions you ask and give them plenty of time to answer. Commenting on what you or they are doing can reduce the pressure to talk.
• Slow down your own rate of speech. Children often try to match the speaking style of those around them. Speaking more slowly can show that it is okay to take time.
• Match your language to the child's language level. Children often try to imitate the language they hear and may be more likely to get stuck when using complex language.
• Reduce competitiveness when the child is working in a group or talking alongside siblings or peers. Encourage good turn-taking during activities.
• Notice the positives. Comment on things the child has done well throughout the day and look for opportunities to praise them. This can help build confidence and self-esteem.
• Give the child small responsibilities and opportunities to develop independence that match their stage of development. For example, encourage them to show another child where toys belong or share something they have achieved.

Next steps

It can be difficult to know which children will naturally grow out of stammering and which children may benefit from additional support.

Consider a referral to the Speech and Language Therapy Team if:

• the child has been stammering for more than six months
• there is a family history of stammering
• the child is becoming self-conscious, worried or frustrated about talking.

Further information

• Wait, Wait, I'm Not Finished Yet and My Stammering Tap are short videos available on YouTube featuring young people who stammer talking about what they would like others to know about stammering.

Useful websites

STAMMA - The UK charity for people who stammer and their supporters.

Michael Palin for Stammering