Understanding Stuttering: How to Support Your Child or Teen
It can be worrying to hear your child get stuck on words or repeat sounds. But stuttering is more common than many parents realize—and it’s treatable with the right support.
At Speech Therapy Centre of Canada, we help children and teens manage stuttering, build confidence, and develop strong communication skills through individualized, evidence-based therapy.
Let’s explore what stuttering is, why it happens, and how parents can help.
What Is Stuttering?
Stuttering (also called childhood-onset fluency disorder) is a speech disorder where a person has difficulty with the flow or rhythm of speech. It often includes:
- Repeating sounds, syllables, or words (“c-c-can I go?”)
- Prolonging sounds (“mmmmmom”)
- Getting stuck or blocked on words with no sound coming out
- Visible effort or tension while speaking
- Avoiding certain words or situations
Stuttering may start between ages 2 and 5, and while some children outgrow it, others may need speech therapy to manage it long-term.
What Causes Stuttering?
There’s no single cause, but research points to a combination of:
- Genetics – Stuttering often runs in families
- Neurological factors – Differences in how the brain processes speech
- Developmental factors – Rapid language development may temporarily disrupt fluency
- Environmental stress – Pressure to speak quickly or perform can increase disfluency
Stuttering is not caused by parenting style, anxiety, or nervousness, although stress can make it more noticeable.
When Should You Be Concerned About Stuttering?
Some repetition is normal for toddlers learning to talk. But you should consider an evaluation if:
- Stuttering lasts longer than 6 months
- Your child shows frustration or avoids speaking
- There is a family history of stuttering
- It begins after age 3.5 or suddenly gets worse
- Your child shows tense facial movements or physical effort while speaking
How Speech Therapy Helps with Stuttering
At Speech Therapy Centre of Canada, we use evidence-based fluency therapy programs to help children and teens speak more smoothly and confidently. Our approach includes:
1. Easy Speech Strategies
We teach techniques like slowed speech, gentle starts, and stretching words to reduce pressure and promote fluency.
2. Stuttering Modification Techniques
Older children and teens learn to manage blocks and repetitions with tools that reduce tension and improve control.
3. Desensitization & Confidence Building
We help reduce fear around speaking situations using role-play, real-life practice, and support groups.
4. Family Education & Support
Parents learn how to respond to stuttering in positive, non-pressured ways. You’ll get tools to support progress at home and reduce stress during communication.
Common Myths About Stuttering (and the Truth)
❌ Myth: Telling a child to “slow down” will fix stuttering
✅ Truth: It often increases pressure—use modelling instead.
❌ Myth: Stuttering is caused by anxiety
✅ Truth: Anxiety may make it worse, but it’s not the root cause.
❌ Myth: Kids will just grow out of it
✅ Truth: Some do—but many benefit from early speech therapy for long-term success.
Why Choose Speech Therapy Centre of Canada
We offer compassionate, personalized care for children and teens who stutter. Our SLPs are trained in fluency-focused therapy and tailor sessions to your child’s age, personality, and goals.
You’ll get:
✅ In-person and virtual sessions
✅ Therapy for children, teens, and young adults
✅ Support for co-occurring issues like anxiety or social withdrawal
✅ Tools for public speaking, school presentations, and everyday conversations
✅ Parent guidance and progress tracking
✅ Collaborative care with educators and behaviour therapists
Book a Consultation Today
🏥 Locations: Richmond Hill & Ajax
💻 Virtual Speech Therapy: Available across Ontario
📞 Phone: 905‑886‑5941
📧 Email: info@speechtherapycentres.com
🌐 Website: speechtherapycentres.com
Let’s give your child the tools to express themselves with confidence. Book your first appointment today.
The Speech Therapy Centres of Canada is a team of dedicated speech-language pathologists (commonly known as S-LPs or speech therapists) and speech-language pathology assistants (S-LPAs) who provide assessment and therapy services to children and adults with communication disorders. Our S-LPS, S-LPAs and support staff are truly committed to providing the highest quality of service to our clients and their families. We understand that navigating the world of speech therapy may be daunting so our client services team is prepared to help you every step of the way.
