| Stammering information
How to help the child who stammers
Referral information for professionals
 What is stammering? | Why early referral? | When to refer | How to refer | What does a therapist do?
What is stammering?
 Stammering or stuttering is characterised by unusually frequent repeating or prolonging of sounds or words. The child may struggle to speak which can lead to anxiety, distress or reluctance to speak.
5% of children under 5 years will experience some stammering. Two thirds will naturally grow out of it but one third will not.
Onset is usually between 2-5 years but can be earlier or later
Boys are four times more likely to stammer than girls.
It varies in severity over time.
It varies in different situations. Is more likely when the child is spontaneous, so professionals may not hear stammering.
The cause is unknown - but family history of persistent stammering is a risk factor.
Why early referral?
Early referral is desirable because:
Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) needs to evaluate the risk of persistent stammering. If the child seems low risk they will monitor progress, if high risk they will intervene.
Provides support for parents and carers.
Intervention close to onset takes less therapy time and can prevent later psychological difficulties.
Empowers parents and other key workers.
When to refer
Referral can be made when there is concern about the child's speech, which may be close to, or within weeks of onset.
How to refer
Health Visitors and teachers can refer directly to SLT service.
Contact local SLT department or www.nhs.uk. Most SLTs will discuss parents' concerns with them and then action a referral if this seems appropriate.
Parents can ask their GP for a referral.
The British Stammering Association provide contact details for NHS and private SLTs.
What does a therapist do?
There are specialist SLTs who provide a range of early intervention approaches, some that work indirectly (change communication within the environment), and some that work directly with the child's speech.
Intervention may also address confidence and self esteem, areas which can be undermined by stammering.
SLTs work with carers, preschool staff and teachers to look at factors which may be significant in the child's life.
SLTs work closely with parents and carers to give them knowledge and skills to help their child.
Helping children under five
Our previous campaigns have led to a significant increase in appropriate referrals for children under 5. Our Pre-school dysfluency project now aims to help speech and language therapy departments develop their services to pre-school children who stammer and to spread knowledge of existing models of good practice.
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