What is stuttering?

Stuttering is a speech disorder that affects the flow of speech. A person who stutters knows what they want to say but struggles to say it smoothly. This can make it hard for them to communicate and they may feel nervous about speaking.

About 1 in 100 Australians stutter. It can affect children, adolescents and adults. It usually starts in childhood, around the ages 3 to 4 years old. Stuttering can also start at a later age.

Stuttering can start suddenly, or it can build up over time. It may come and go in younger children. Some people stutter occasionally, while others stutter whenever they speak.

Most people who stutter tend to stutter less when they sing, whisper or read aloud.

What are the symptoms of stuttering?

Stuttering is when the flow of your speech is interrupted. You may:

• repeat sounds ('c-c-can'), syllables ('da-da-daddy'), words ('and-and-and') or phrases ('I want-I want-I want')
• stretch out the sounds in words ('caaaaan I go')
• experience blocks, where you try to speak but no sound is coming out
• grunt or make other small sounds
• use a lot of 'ums' and 'errs'
• make facial expressions, blink or move your body when you're trying to speak

Stuttering often happens at the beginning of a sentence but can sometimes happen throughout.

What causes stuttering?

Stuttering happens due to problems in the brain's speech control. It is not known why this happens. It can be genetic, but it's not caused when children try to copy others. It has also nothing to do with low intelligence, emotional problems or how parents talk to their children.

Anxiety, stress and certain situations can make stuttering worse. You may stutter more when you feel:

• nervous
• excited
• tired
• angry
• You may also stutter more if you are rushed to speak or if you are using complicated words.

When should I see my doctor?

Usually, you don't need to see a doctor if you stutter, but your doctor may be able to recommend a speech pathologist in your area. A speech pathologist or speech therapist is an allied health professional. They are trained to diagnose and treat communication disorders.

You don't need a referral from your doctor to see a speech pathologist, but there may be cost savings if you have one. Medicare may cover some of the costs if you have a chronic disease management plan prepared by your doctor.

How is stuttering diagnosed?

A speech pathologist is trained to assess, diagnose and treat stuttering. To diagnose stuttering they may:

• ask questions about your family history
• ask questions about your symptoms
• test how you or your child speaks with different techniques and in different situations

How is stuttering treated?

There is no cure or medicine to treat stuttering, but speech therapy and support groups may help. The treatment approach depends on your age and how severe your stutter is.

It's hard to predict who will recover naturally, so early therapy is recommended to minimise the impact on your daily life.

For pre-school children, there are programs that are effective to stop stuttering. Sometimes, parents can work with a speech pathologist to help children overcome stuttering and speak more fluently. Your child will still need to see a speech pathologist for the program to be most effective.

Stuttering in adolescents and adults is often treated by learning new techniques to reduce stuttering. There are specialised programs to help people practise and improve their communication skills. A speech pathologist teaches these techniques, which are then used in everyday situations. This treatment can be provided in person or via telehealth, using a webcam.

Take advice from a speech pathologist about the best treatment for you or your child.

Living with a stutter

Living with a stutter can make communication challenging. It may impact your social life, work or relationships.

You may feel frustrated or anxious when speaking. Social anxiety disorder can develop in children over 7 years old, which makes early treatment important.

Psychological therapies (talking therapies) can help manage anxiety that interfere with daily life.

If you think you may have social anxiety disorder, seek help from your doctor or a mental health professional. They can diagnose you and give you advice on treatments and coping strategies. Your doctor can refer you for further help if needed.

Read more on mental health helplines.

What are the complications of stuttering?

Stuttering can affect people differently. Some people may find it impacts the way that they interact with other people. Others may not experience such challenges.

Children who have a stutter may be bullied, leading them to:

• play less with other children
• avoid answering questions in the classroom
• struggle to communicate

It is important to give your child time to finish speaking without drawing attention to their stutter. A speech pathologist can work with your child's teacher to create a supportive environment.

Read more on stuttering in children.

For adults, stuttering can influence relationships, job performance and career choices.

How can stuttering be prevented?

It is not clear if stuttering can be prevented.

If you or your child develop a stutter, contact a speech pathologist as soon as possible to start treatment. Therapy for stuttering has shown much better outcomes for pre-school aged children than for older children or adults.

Resources and support

There are several resources and support services available for people with a stutter, and their families:

• Australian Stuttering Research Centre offers information and programs for children and adults who stutter.
• Stuttering Association for the Young (SAY) Australia provides educational programs and opportunities for young people with a stutter.
• Australian Speak Easy Association offers support to all people that stutter.
• Stutta — the Australian Stuttering Association hosts an online Speak Freely
• Australian Stuttering Warriors offers support groups to bring together people who have a stutter.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Other languages

• NSW Government has translated information in many languages on speech pathology services, for people with a stutter and their carers.
• Speech Pathology Australia manage The Communication Hub — a resource for people with communication difficulties, their communication partners, and the wider community. It includes an easy English version of the fact sheet on stuttering.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

• Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) or Affiliate near you for advice on communication problems and how to find a speech pathologist.