How to Stop Stuttering: What Helps Children and Adults

01What

What is stuttering?

• Repetitions: “b-b-b-ball” or “I-I-I want”.
• Prolongations: “sssssun”.
• Blocks: getting stuck with no sound coming out.
• Secondary behaviours: blinking, head movements or facial tension.
• Avoidance: switching words, avoiding speaking situations.
• The NHS uses the term stammering, which means the same thing.

02Causes

Why stuttering happens

Stuttering is a neurodevelopmental condition. Research shows that it runs in families, and brain imaging studies find differences in the networks that plan and time speech movements. A review of stuttering epidemiology reported that stuttering typically begins in early childhood, that boys are more likely than girls to continue stuttering, and that the majority of preschool children who stutter recover without treatment. Anxiety, excitement and pressure to speak can make stuttering more noticeable, but they do not cause it. ASHA notes that stuttering can affect communication, participation and quality of life.

03Children

Stuttering in young children

For preschool children, a speech-language pathologist may monitor for a few months or start treatment, especially if stuttering has continued for more than six to twelve months, there is a family history or the child is distressed. The Lidcombe Program trains parents to give praise for smooth speech and occasionally ask for gentle corrections in daily conversation. A randomised controlled trial found that children receiving the Lidcombe Program had much lower stuttering rates after nine months than children who did not receive treatment.

04Parents

Tips for parents

• Give your child time to finish; do not finish words for them.
• Speak slowly and calmly yourself, with pauses.
• Avoid saying “slow down”, “take a breath” or “start again”.
• Focus on what your child says, not how they say it.
• Reduce time pressure, such as many questions in a row.
• Keep eye contact and show you are listening.
• Talk openly and calmly about stuttering if your child mentions it.

05Adults

Techniques for adults

• Slower speech rate: stretching syllables slightly to give more time.
• Easy onsets: starting words with a gentle, relaxed voice.
• Light articulatory contacts: touching lips and tongue lightly on consonants.
• Pausing and phrasing: speaking in shorter phrases with planned pauses.
• Breathing: speaking on a relaxed out-breath.
• Stuttering modification: learning to stutter more easily, with less tension, rather than avoiding it.
• Voluntary stuttering: stuttering on purpose to reduce fear.

06Approaches

Therapy approaches

Speech therapy for older children and adults often combines fluency shaping, which teaches a new, smoother way of speaking, with stuttering modification, which reduces the struggle and tension of moments of stuttering. Psychological approaches, such as cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance-based therapy, help with anxiety, avoidance and negative beliefs about speaking. Support groups and self-help organisations provide community and confidence. Goals are set with each person: for some, fewer stutters; for others, speaking freely without fear.

07Anxiety

Stuttering and social anxiety

Many adults who stutter experience anxiety in speaking situations, such as phone calls, introductions or meetings. Avoiding these situations can increase fear over time. Gradual exposure, with support, and therapy targeting anxious thoughts can help. Our guide to social anxiety disorder covers this in more detail.

08Myths

Common myths

• Myth: stuttering is caused by nervousness. Fact: it is neurodevelopmental, though stress can worsen it.
• Myth: parents cause stuttering. Fact: parenting does not cause it.
• Myth: people who stutter are less intelligent. Fact: stuttering has no link to intelligence.
• Myth: telling someone to slow down helps. Fact: it usually adds pressure.

09Work

Stuttering at work and school

• Tell teachers or colleagues what helps you, if you feel comfortable.
• Ask for adjustments, such as extra time in oral exams or presentations.
• Practise important conversations in advance.
• In many countries, stuttering may be covered by disability or equality laws.
• Advocacy groups can offer advice on rights and support.

10Cases

Three common situations

• Three-year-old who started repeating sounds two months ago: model calm speech and monitor; seek advice if it continues beyond six months or causes distress.
• Teenager avoiding speaking in class: speech therapy plus support for confidence.
• Adult who dreads phone calls: therapy combining speech techniques and anxiety management.

11Practice

Daily practice ideas for adults

• Read aloud for five minutes using slow, easy speech.
• Practise phone calls with a friend before making real ones.
• Introduce yourself to someone new each week, using your techniques.
• Record yourself to notice tension and progress.
• Practise voluntary stuttering in low-pressure situations to reduce fear.
• Join a support group to practise speaking in a supportive setting.

12Listeners

How to talk with someone who stutters

• Keep natural eye contact and wait patiently.
• Do not finish their words or sentences.
• Avoid advice such as “relax” or “take a breath”.
• Show you are listening to what they say, not how they say it.
• Speak at a calm, unhurried pace yourself.

13Summary

Key points to remember

• Stuttering is common in early childhood, and many children recover.
• Early therapy, such as the Lidcombe Program, is effective.
• Adults can learn techniques that make speaking easier.
• Patience and listening help more than advice to slow down.