Understanding Stuttering in Children: When to Seek Help and How Speech Therapy Can Support

It can be concerning to hear your child repeat words, pause mid-sentence, or struggle to get a word out. For many children, disfluency (pauses, repetition, or hesitations) can be part of normal speech development—but in some cases, it’s a sign of stuttering, a speech disorder that can affect confidence, communication, and emotional wellbeing if left unsupported.

The good news? Early speech therapy can make a big difference.

In this blog, we’ll help you understand what stuttering looks like, when to seek help, and how speech pathologists support children to speak with greater ease and confidence.

What Is Stuttering?

Stuttering (also called childhood-onset fluency disorder) is a communication condition where a person has difficulty speaking smoothly. It may involve:

• Repeating sounds (“b-b-ball”), syllables (“ba-ba-banana”), or words

• Prolonging sounds (“ssssnake”)

• Getting “stuck” and unable to produce a word

• Pauses or blocks in speech

• Visible effort, facial tension, or frustration when speaking

Stuttering may begin gradually or suddenly and is often more noticeable when a child is excited, tired, or under pressure to speak quickly.

When to Seek Support From a Speech Pathologist

You should consider seeking help if your child:

• Has been stuttering for more than 6 weeks

• Is showing signs of frustration or avoidance

• Begins to develop physical tension or eye blinking during speech

• Has a family history of stuttering

• Is over age 3 and stuttering is becoming more frequent or severe

Early intervention is highly recommended—even if the stuttering seems mild. The earlier therapy begins, the better the outcomes.

How Speech Therapy Helps Children Who Stutter

At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, our speech pathologists use evidence-based approaches tailored to your child’s age, confidence level, and needs.

We may use:

• The Lidcombe Program (for children under 6): a highly effective parent-led, play-based fluency program

• Fluency-shaping techniques: to teach smooth, controlled speech

• Stuttering modification: to reduce fear and tension in older children

• Parent education: so you feel confident supporting your child at home

• Confidence building and self-advocacy: especially important as children enter school or face social pressures

Therapy is fun, empowering, and adapted to each child’s goals.

What You Can Do at Home

While waiting for therapy or between sessions:

• Slow down your own speech to model calm communication

• Give time and space—don’t finish their sentences

• Show interest in the message, not how it’s delivered

• Avoid calling attention to the stutter, especially in front of others

• Create a low-pressure communication environment—avoid rushing or quizzing

Most importantly, reassure your child that you love hearing what they have to say—no matter how it comes out.

NDIS and Stuttering Support

If your child is on an NDIS plan, speech therapy for stuttering is typically funded under:

• Capacity Building – Improved Communication

• Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) for children under 7

We work with families, educators, and support coordinators to ensure reports and goals align with funding pathways and best practices.

Ready to Support Your Child’s Voice?

Stuttering doesn’t define your child—but with the right support, they can speak with more ease, confidence, and joy. Whether your child is just starting to show signs or has been managing stuttering for some time, our team is here to help.

Join our waitlist today to speak with a speech pathologist and start the journey toward smoother communication.