Dysfluency (stammering)

Stammering (or stuttering) is a complex difficulty that can vary at different ages, in different situations and for different children. It is relatively common for children under the age of five years old to go through a short phase of stammering, especially when they are under some pressure to communicate. However, it is less likely that older children who stammer are going through a stage of transient stammering. There is good evidence that early intervention is beneficial for children who stammer and referral is advised if a child has stammered for more than a couple of months, or if the child or parents are very concerned. Click here for information about our Speech and Language Therapy service for children who stammer.

Children who stammer, their parents and families can go to the Michael Palin Centre website www.stammeringcentre.org for further information, support and advice.

The British Stammering Association website, www.stammeringineducation.net, provides a comprehensive resource for school staff working with pupils who stammer in primary and secondary schools. This includes video clips, tips and techniques for supporting children in school.