Stammering
Speech fluency develops gradually, and many children can be hesitant and dysfluent as they learn and develop speech and language skills.
Some children present with more persistent dysfluency, i.e. stammering.
Stammering can be repeating sounds or words (e.g. I-I-I want), stretching out sounds (e.g. ssssssun) or getting stuck on a sound (e.g. b......oat)
Stammering can be variable, and may come and go at different times and situations.
The terms stammering and stuttering mean the same thing - we tend to use the term stammering in the UK, whereas the term stuttering is used in other countries
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​The following websites provide a great deal of further information and advice:
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​Michael Palin Centre for Stammering - The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering
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Tips for supporting children who stammer
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​Reduce your pace of talking. Try to speak in an unhurried way, using and modelling pausing
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Balance comments and questions. Avoid asking too many questions, and allow time for the child to respond
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​Focus on what the child is saying, rather than the way they are saying it
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Encourage turn-taking in the family, and try to ensure everyone gets equal turns to talk
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Build the child's confidence. Focus on the child's strengths, and give specific praise and encouragement
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Try to incorporate some 1:1 focused time for 5 minutes a day, where the child gets your full and undivided attention.
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For more tips and information, click on the link below:
Top tips from the MPC - The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering