Stuttering

Stuttering

Stuttering is when people seem to get stuck on, or repeat, sounds when talking. Show your child that you are interested in what they say, not how they say it.

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Key points about stuttering

  • stuttering is when people seem to get stuck on, or repeat, sounds when talking
  • stuttering is different for each child
  • stuttering may also be called 'stammering' or 'dysfluency'

What is stuttering?

Stuttering is when people seem to get stuck on, or repeat, sounds when talking. Stuttering may also be called 'stammering' or 'dysfluency'.

What are some signs that my child has a stutter?

  • they repeat a sound ("p-p-p-please"), a syllable ("to-to-to-tomorrow") or a word ("my-my-my-my name is")
  • they stretch out a sound; for example, "ssssss- sometimes"
  • they get completely stuck at the start of a word, and no sound comes out.

Stuttering is different for different tamariki (children). It can vary depending on the situation, such as what the child wants to say, who they are talking to and how they are feeling. Stuttering can start gradually or suddenly and may change over time. 

Sometimes, a child may try to hide stuttering by avoiding talking.

Who does stuttering affect?

Stuttering can affect people of all ages and cultures. Many tamariki stutter at some point as they learn to talk. Stuttering is more common in boys than girls and can run in families.

What are some tips to help my child who stutters?

Be interested 

show your child that you are interested in what they say, not how they say it. Maintain natural eye contact and don't ask them to say words again.

Let them finish 

let them finish their sentences rather than finishing them for them.

Be supportive 

Be supportive if your child gets upset about their speech. You could say, "Talking is tricky sometimes when you're still learning".

References

If you would like to look at anything in more detail, this list of references might be a good starting point.

Acknowledgements

The content on this page has been produced in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and adapted from Much more than words | Manuka takoto, kawea ake (2014).

External links and downloads

Who should I talk to if I am concerned that my child may be stuttering?

If you think your child may be stuttering or if there is a family or whānau history of stuttering, seek advice from the Ministry of Education as soon as you can. Call the Ministry of Education at 0800 622 222 or check the Ministry of Education website for your local Ministry of Education office.

Information on communication development | Ministry of Education

This booklet is for supporting the communication development of young tamariki. Family, whānau, early childhood educators, kaiako, health professionals and others may find it useful. It includes information about typical communication development in young children and ideas for supporting them. The booklet was published by the Ministry of Education in 2014. 

Plunket for concerns about speech or language development

If you are concerned about your child's language or speech development, you could discuss your concerns with your Plunket nurse or other Well Child provider. Check the Plunket website for a Plunket near you. Plunket also offers an early childhood health telephone help service. It is available to all families, whānau and caregivers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call PlunketLine free on 0800 933 922.

NZ Speech-Language Therapists' Association

Speech language therapists are employed in the Ministry of Education, special schools, hospitals, and in private practice. To find a speech language therapist, you can contact the Ministry of Education, Special Education on 0800 622 222 (you can self-refer to a Ministry of Education speech-language therapist); email a query to special.education@minedu.govt.nz; see where to find speech and language therapists at the NZ Speech-Language Therapists' Association website; ask your child's teacher to refer your child or look in the phone book's yellow pages under speech language therapy for speech language therapists in private practice. 

START (Stuttering Treatment and Research Trust)

START is the only organisation in Aotearoa New Zealand providing specialist therapy and support for tamariki who stutter, and their families and whānau. START is based in Auckland and has a team of speech language therapists who specialise in working with tamariki, rangatahi and adults who stutter. You can have an in person appointment at their clinic in Greenlane, Auckland or a Zoom session if you live anywhere else in Aotearoa. There is a charge for appointments. There is a discount for Community Service Card holders. If cost is an issue, contact START.  If you have a child who is stuttering, get in touch for advice, guidance and support. START also has a website with lots of helpful information. 

Tags
Speech & Language

This page last reviewed 08 December 2023.

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