You may hear this being referred to as stuttering, dysfluency, bumpy talking or getting stuck.  Stammering is when a person:

• Repeats the whole word ‘but-but-but’
• Repeats the sound ‘b-b-b-ut’ or part of the word ‘bu-bu-bu-but’
• Blocks – they are visibly trying to speak but no sound comes out.
• Prolongs sounds – stretches the sound e.g. ‘Muuuuumy’

Your child may have some or all of the above types of stammer.  They may also show some behaviours associated with their stammer e.g. blinking, facial tension, nodding their head or tapping their leg as they try to force the word out.  They may also take a sharp breath before speaking, use a lead in word or phrase or use lots of fillers e.g. ‘um’ ‘err’ when talking.

It is not known why some children stammer, but there are a number of different factors that impact on a child’s ability to talk fluently.  It is common for young children, especially between the ages of 2 and 5 to experience disruptions to their talking.  When they are learning to talk and their vocabulary is increasing, they may experience hesitancies, disruptions and repetitions when talking.  This may be more apparent when they are tired or excited.  This often comes and goes and for many children will disappear as their language develops.

Stammering can develop gradually or come on suddenly and it can fluctuate over time or remain constant.  For some children stammering will be persistent and they may need therapy.  Approximately, 1% of children who stammer go on to stammer into adulthood.

We would advise that you refer your child for assessment if any of the following apply:

• You are very anxious or concerned about your child’s stammer
• Your child is aware and upset by their stammer
• The stammer seems to be getting worse
• The stammer is significantly disrupting their flow of speech
• It is impacting on their confidence and they are avoiding speaking in certain situations
• There is a strong family history of stammering- a sibling, parent or grandparent stammers as an adult.

Meeting with other children and/or parents can be really beneficial.  Some groups focus on peer support and/or offer opportunities to work on speech or self-confidence. Some national groups are:

• The STAMMA Parent2Parent Support Group (online)   
• The STAMMA Minecraft Club (online, for ages 7-14)   
• UK Peer to Peer Facebook Support Group for Parents of Children who
• Stammer    
• Young People 5-16 (& their parents) Group (online)   

 

NELFT Children's Occupational Therapy

Information for young people on mental health and wellbeing

NELFT Children & Young People

NELFT ASD & ADHD Assessment Team

What is ADHD?

National Autistic Society

Afasic  — This website supports parents and represents children and young people with speech, language and communication needs.

BBC Tiny Happy People — Tiny Happy People is here to help you develop your child's communication skills. Explore simple activities and play ideas to support your child’s development 

Downs Syndrome Association — A national organisation, committed to improving quality of life for people who have Down’s syndrome, promoting their right to be included on a full and equal basis with others. 

Essex local Offer

Thurrock Local Offer

Essex Family hubs — Bringing together local services and advice for babies, children, young people and their families, including Start for Life services for 0 to 2 year olds.

Thurrock Family hubs

Makaton — Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression.

National Autistic Society  — The National Autistic Society is the leading charity for autistic people and provides support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people.

National Deaf Children's Society — The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) is a British charity dedicated to providing support, information and advice for deaf children and young people, their families and professionals working with them.

RCSLT — The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (abbreviated as RCSLT) is the professional body for speech and language therapists in the United Kingdom and is a registered charity. 

Signalong — Signalong is a key word sign-supported communication system based on British sign language and is used in spoken word order. It uses speech, sign, body language, facial expression and voice tone to reference the link between sign and word.

Selective Mutism Information & Research Association (SMIRA) — SMIRA is a UK Charity that supports families with selectively mute children. It also provides information to health and education professionals involved in the upbringing of such children and young people.

SNAP — SNAP is an Essex charity for families with children and young people who have any additional need or disability.

Speech and Language UK — Speech and Language UK is a charity that provides free resources and services to help children and adults with speech and language challenges.

STAMMA — STAMMA is a charity that offers services, training, helpline, employment and advocacy for people who stammer in the UK.