Stuttering

Key points to remember about stuttering

stuttering is when people seem to get stuck on, or repeat, sounds when talking
stuttering is different for each child
stuttering may also be called 'stammering' or 'dysfluency'

What is stuttering?

Stuttering is when people seem to get stuck on, or repeat, sounds when talking. Stuttering may also be called 'stammering' or 'dysfluency'.

What are some signs that my child has a stutter?

they repeat a sound ("p-p-p-please"), a syllable ("to-to-to-tomorrow") or a word ("my-my-my-my name is")
they stretch out a sound; for example, "ssssss- sometimes"
they get completely stuck at the start of a word, and no sound comes out.

Stuttering is different for each child. It can vary depending on the situation, such as what the child wants to say, who they are talking to and how they are feeling. Stuttering can start gradually or suddenly and may change over time.

Sometimes, a child may try to hide stuttering by avoiding talking.

Who does stuttering affect?

Stuttering can affect people of all ages and cultures. Many children stutter at some point as they learn to talk. Stuttering is more common in boys than girls and can run in families.

What are some tips to help my child who stutters?

show your child that you are interested in what they say, not how they say it. Maintain natural eye contact and don't ask them to say words again
let them finish their sentences rather than finishing them for them
be supportive if your child gets upset about their speech. You could say, "Talking is tricky sometimes when you're still learning"

References:

If you would like to look at anything in more detail, this listing of references [1] might be a good starting point.

Acknowledgements:

The content on this page has been produced in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and adapted from Much more than words | Manuka takoto, kawea ake (2014) [2].

External links and downloads (see the online version for more information at other websites)

Who should I talk to if I am concerned that my child may be stuttering? [3]

If you think your child may be stuttering or if there is a family/whānau history of stuttering, seek advice from the Ministry of Education as soon as you can. Call the Ministry of Education at 0800 622 222 or check the Ministry of Education website for your local Ministry of Education office [4].

Information on communication development (Ministry of Education) [5]

[6]This booklet is for supporting the communication development of young children. Family/whānau, early childhood educators, kaiako, health professionals and others may find it useful. It includes information about typical communication development in young children and ideas for supporting them. The booklet was published by the Ministry of Education in 2014.

Plunket for concerns about speech or language development [7]

If you are concerned about your child's language or speech development, you could discuss your concerns with your Plunket nurse or other Well Child provider. For your local Plunket office or Plunket Karitane Family Centre, check the Plunket website for Plunket near you [8]. Plunket also offers a specialist early childhood health telephone help service. It is available to all families, whānau and caregivers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call PlunketLine free on 0800 933 922.

NZ Speech-Language Therapists' Association [9]

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 on 0800 622 222 (you can self-refer to a Ministry of Education speech-language therapist); email a query to special.education@minedu.govt.nz [10]; see where to find speech and language therapists at the NZ Speech-Language Therapists' Association website [11]; ask your child's teacher to refer your child or 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 [12]

A support group for people who stutter.

START (Stuttering Treatment and Research Trust) [13]

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 NZ Speech Language Therapy Association. While START only offers assessment and treatment services in Auckland, their website has nationally relevant information, including information for parents [14] and FAQs (frequently asked questions) about stuttering [15].

This page last reviewed 17 November 2020.
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