STUTTERING

Stuttering is a disorder in which the flow of speech is interrupted. It often appears between the ages of 2-4. Approximately 5% of children stutter. Research has not been able to identify a single cause for stuttering. It is currently thought to be a problem with the brain activity that underlies speech production. There is also a genetic link. 

Speech Pathologists can assess and treat stuttering. Our therapists are trained in the Lidcombe Program (for preschoolers) and Syllable Timed Speech (for primary school-aged children). However, therapy is the most effective within the preschool years. If you notice any of the following types of stuttering or are concerned about the fluency of your child's speech, please give us a call. 

Children may experience one type of stutter or a variety of different types. The severity also differs.

• Repetition of a sound – ‘g-g-go and get my toy please’
• Repetition of a syllable – ‘where’s my um-um-umbrella?’
• Repetition of a word – ‘I saw, saw, saw a lion at the zoo’
• Repetition of a phrase – ‘can I, can I, can I have some more, please?’
• Prolongations – ‘mmmmmmy dog’
• Blocking – a stoppage of airflow. It appears as if the word is ‘stuck’

There may also be additional features that accompany their stutter, such as tension in their facial features and additional body movements such as increased eye blinking.