Stammering advice sheet
Stammering can also be called stuttering or dysfluency.
When your child stammers they may;
- Repeat sounds, words or phrases
- Make speech sounds longer
- Show signs of struggling to get the words out such as blocks or gaps
- Blink their eyes, clench their fist, or show other signs of tension
- Avoid using certain words
- Avoid some situations, e.g. reading aloud, using the telephone
- Sound as if they are out of breath
- Be anxious or withdrawn in some situations
Young children that stammer – Many children between the ages of two and five go through a period of non-fluency. They are coping with lots of life changes and learning experiences and do not yet have all the language skills they need.
Older children that stammer -A stammer usually gets worse when the child perceives himself to be under pressure. However, some older child who are aware of their stammer may begin to avoid talking in certain situations. Therefore, don’t be surprised if those less familiar to them are not aware that they stammer.
More Information
Everyday strategies
- Show that you are interested in what the child says, talk about things they are interested in.
- Try to maintain natural eye contact and facial expressions
- Do not finish his/her sentences and try to reduce the number of times they are interrupted whilst talking; explain the importance of turn taking within a conversation
- Reduce your pace. Speak with your child in a calm, unhurried way, making sure you pause frequently. Try and wait for a few seconds after your child finishes before you begin to speak. This will be more effective than giving advice to your child such as “slow down”
- Try to resist asking questions one after the other as the children may feel under pressure to respond to these. It is more helpful to comment on what the child has said and wait for a response. If you need to ask a question, always give plenty of time to answer one question at a time.
- Try to increase the times that you give your child your undivided attention and are really listening. Give positive eye contact and acknowledge what they are saying and not how it is being said.
- Try and encourage all members of the family to take turns and listen to others. Children find it easier to talk when they don’t feel rushed and there are fewer interruptions
- Praise your child and build their confidence, praise them when they talk smoothly and also praise strengths across all aspects of their life such as increasing independence and being caring
- Try and set aside a few minutes each day at a regular time when you can give your child your attention (switching off the TV, phones and iPad’s). This quiet time can build confidence and can be around 5-10 minutes long
- Apply any rules in the house consistently for each child whether they stammer or not.
- Stammering can increase when your child is tired, excited or anxious. Try and keep all routines consistent as they are likely to benefit from a relaxed atmosphere around them
- Children who stammer often stammer more on long, difficult sentences. Be a good model and keep your sentences uncomplicated