Key points to remember

• the terms 'stuttering', 'stammering' and 'dysfluency' refer to the same thing
• fluency refers to the way words flow easily and naturally
• dysfluency (stuttering) refers to speech disruptions such as repetitions (pa..pa..pa..paper), prolongations (mmmmmy…) or periods when the words seem to get stuck and won't come out
• most children who stutter begin doing so between the ages of two and five years when speech and language is developing
• many children stutter at some stage and for many of these children, the stuttering resolves by itself (but see When should I seek help?)
• stuttering can run in families; if a parent or relative stutters, a child has a higher chance of stuttering than someone whose parents or relatives do not

You might find it useful to also look at the following related fact sheets on this website:

• an introductory fact sheet What's involved in learning to talk?
• Speech sound development
• Language development: 0 - three years of age
• Language development: four to five years of age
• Encouraging language development
• Using language socially - an important skill
• Voice

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What is stuttering / dysfluency?

Note that the terms ‘stuttering', ‘stammering' and ‘dysfluency' refer to the same thing.

 

Stuttering is a disorder that affects speech fluency (the way words flow easily and naturally). People who stutter know what they want to say, but have trouble saying it because their speech flow is disrupted by any of the following:

• repeating sounds, words or phrases; for example, pa..pa..pa..paper; super..super..super..supermarket
• prolonging sounds; for example, mmmmmy…
• periods during which speech production is blocked with no sound coming out - the words seem to get stuck

During a stutter (or dysfluent moment) some children may make face or body movements such as: grimacing, eye-rolling, blinking or foot stamping. Some children who stutter will use a lot of extra filler words like ‘you' and ‘ah'.

 

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What causes stuttering?

The exact cause of stuttering is unknown. It is thought that stuttering may be related to the brain functions that regulate speech production.

 

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Who can develop stuttering?

• stuttering can run in families; if a parent or relative stutters, a child has a higher chance of stuttering than someone whose parents or relatives do not
• stuttering is more common in boys

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When should I be concerned?

Many children go through a period of stuttering. This often occurs between the ages of two and five years, when their language is rapidly developing and they have a lot to say. They are beginning to talk more like an adult but are not quite ready to do so. The onset of stuttering may be sudden or gradual and is a stage that most children will move through without any cause for concern. However, there are times when you should seek help for your child's stuttering or dysfluency. See When should I seek help?

 

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What are some factors which can affect stuttering?

Stuttering can vary in severity over time, and even throughout a day. A child who stutters may stutter more:

• when talking about a new topic
• if using complicated language
• when excited, tired, or under stress
• if given limited time to speak
• if competing to be heard
• if speaking to someone new

Some children who stutter may feel anxious talking. They may avoid speaking in particular situations (for example, on the phone), using certain words, or speaking with some people.

 

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Some strategies to help fluency

• follow your child's lead in play and conversation
• speak more slowly yourself
• increase pauses - give your child time to respond
• try not to ask your child too many questions
• use short, simple sentences
• maintain eye contact
• do not interrupt your child or finish sentences for them
• discourage others from teasing or laughing at your child
• praise your child for fluent speech; for example, “Wow, that was really smooth talking - well done!”

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When should I seek help?

You should discuss your child's stuttering / dysfluency with your GP (general practitioner) or a speech-language therapist if:

• there is a family history of stuttering
• your child shows signs of struggle when trying to get the words out; for example, stamping feet, grimacing
• stuttering lasts for longer than two months
• your child shows signs of anxiety or frustration about speech
• the length of each block, hesitation or repetition is more than just a fleeting moment

Speech language therapists are trained to assess and treat stuttering. A speech-language therapist will:

• firstly talk with you about your concerns, your child's developmental history, any health issues, any significant events including birth history
• assess your child's communication development, in particular the areas that you are concerned about
• if required, develop a programme with you which will include strategies that you can use daily with your child, as much as possible within daily routines
• monitor and review progress and refer to other services (such as audiology), if required

See Where to go for more information or help about stuttering / dysfluency below, for information about finding a speech-language therapist.

 

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Where to go for more information about stuttering / dysfluency

On this website (related fact sheets)

An introductory fact sheet What's involved in learning to talk?

Speech sound development

Language development: 0 - three years of age

Language development: four to five years of age

Encouraging language development

Using language socially - an important skill

Voice

 

Much more than words: Monitoring and encouraging communication development in early childhood. (Warning: large pdf file - 60 pages).

Originally written for early childhood professionals, this booklet may be of interest to parents and caregivers who want more detailed information. The booklet was published by the Ministry of Education, Special Education in 2000. 

Website: http://www.minedu.govt.nz/

 

Plunket

If you are concerned about your child's language or speech development, or stuttering, you could discuss your concerns with your Plunket nurse (or other Well Child provider - see the Well Child / Tamariki Ora services for under fives fact sheet on this website). For your local Plunket office or Plunket Karitane Family Centre, check the Plunket website or look under Plunket in your phone book. Plunket also offers a specialist early childhood health telephone help service. It is available to all families, whanau and caregivers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call PlunketLine free on 0800 933 922.

Postal address: PO Box 5474, Wellington 6145

National office phone: 64 4 471 0177

National office fax: 64 4 471 0190

Email: plunket@plunket.org.nz

Website: http://www.plunket.org.nz/

 

Speech Language Therapists

Speech language therapists are employed in the Ministry of Education, special schools, hospitals, and in private practice. To find a speech language therapist, you can:

• contact the Ministry of Education, Special Education - (see Special Education on this website or phone the Special Education information line on 0800 622 222 or email a query to special.education@minedu.govt.nz. You can self-refer to a Ministry of Education speech-language therapist 
• see where to find speech and language therapists at the New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists Association website
• ask your child's kindergarten or school teacher to refer your child
• look in the phone book's yellow pages under speech language therapy for speech language therapists in private practice

Speakeasy - New Zealand Speak Easy Association Inc.
A support group for people who stutter.

Website: http://www.speakeasynz.org.nz/ 

 

START (Stuttering Treatment and Research Trust)

START is a registered Trust established to provide a comprehensive assessment and treatment service for children and adults who stutter. START is staffed by speech language therapists who have specific training in working with people who stutter and who are members of the New Zealand Speech Language Therapy Association. While START only offers assessment and treatment services in Auckland, their website has nationally relevant information, including the following:

• information for parents of pre-schoolers
• information for parents of school-age children
• information for teenagers
• FAQs (frequently asked questions) about stuttering

Address: 541 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

Phone: 64 9 379 6364
Fax: 64 9 379 6363
Email: support@start.org.nz

Website: http://www.stuttering.co.nz

 

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Acknowledgements

This fact sheet has been produced in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Special Education and adapted from:

 

Ministry of Education, Special Education. 2000. Much more than words: Monitoring and encouraging communication development in early childhood. 

 

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Endorsement

This fact sheet was endorsed by PSNZ - 27/06/2009

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Fact sheets are subject to copyright. In the interests of information sharing they may be copied but acknowledgement must be given to PSNZ and Starship Foundation.
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