Understanding Stuttering in Children: Signs, Myths, and Support Tips

With Speech Pathologist Kate O’Leary

Stuttering is often misunderstood, but Speech Pathologist Kate O’Leary is here to set the record straight. A valued member of The Play Way Team, Kate sat down with us to talk through what stuttering is, how it shows up in everyday life, and the best ways to support children navigating this challenge.

So, what exactly is stuttering?

“Stuttering is a disruption in the rhythm and flow of speech,” Kate explains. “A person knows exactly what they want to say, but the words don’t always come out smoothly.”

It can show up in a few different ways:

Repeating sounds (b-b-ball), syllables (cat-cat-caterpillar), or whole words (then then then we get ice cream!).
Stretching out sounds (Where is mmmmum?).
Struggling to get words out, sometimes with physical tension or ‘blocking’.

Beyond speech, there can be other tell-tale signs. “Some kids might use extra filler words like ‘um’ or ‘ah’, repeat entire phrases, or even develop little physical movements, like blinking or tapping their foot,” Kate says. “Others may start avoiding certain words or sounds altogether.

Myth-busting: What stuttering is not

There are plenty of misconceptions around stuttering, and Kate is quick to clear them up:

It’s not caused by parenting styles. “Nothing you did or didn’t do caused your child to stutter,” Kate reassures.
It’s not linked to intelligence. “There’s absolutely no connection between stuttering and a person’s intellect.”
It’s not contagious. “Kids don’t ‘catch’ a stutter from others.”
It’s not caused by speaking multiple languages. “Bilingualism has so many cognitive benefits, and there’s no scientific evidence linking it to stuttering.”
It’s not always something that needs to be ‘fixed’. “For some people, their stutter is part of their identity, and they embrace it.

And perhaps most importantly: telling someone to ‘slow down’ or ‘just relax’ doesn’t help.

“People mean well, but saying things like ‘take a deep breath’ or ‘just think about what you’re saying’ can actually make it worse,” Kate says. “Instead, focus on what they’re saying rather than how they’re saying it, and give them time to finish.”

Practical ways to support a child who stutters

If you suspect your child is stuttering, Kate’s advice is simple: seek professional support early. But in the meantime, there are some easy ways to help:

Slow your own speech. “Not exaggeratedly slow, just a little more relaxed. It helps kids feel less rushed.”
Give them time. “Avoid jumping in to finish their sentences.”
Use gentle prompts. “Instead of asking open-ended questions, try giving choices, like ‘Did you have strawberries or an apple today?’”
Acknowledge their effort. “Even if it takes time, celebrate their communication, however it comes out.”
Keep a diary. “Noting when the stutter appears and what’s happening at the time can be really useful for a speech pathologist.”

Stuttering in the spotlight

Stuttering is more common than many people realise—around 1 in 100 people stutter. And some of the world’s most well-known figures have experienced it, including Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, King George VI, Ed Sheeran, and Emily Blunt.

Speaking of Marilyn Monroe, Kate shares a fascinating tidbit: “Anything that changes the rhythm and flow of speech—like singing or using an accent—can sometimes ‘override’ a stutter. That’s why Marilyn developed her famous breathy voice!”

When should parents seek help?

One of the most common questions Kate hears is: When should I be worried?

Her answer? “If you notice signs of stuttering—particularly those repetitions, blocks, or physical signs—seek advice sooner rather than later. Early intervention gives children the best chance to develop confidence in their communication.”

There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ timeline for therapy, but the good news is, support is out there. “Every child is different,” Kate says, “but with the right guidance, they can learn to communicate in a way that feels good for them.”

For more expert advice on speech and language development, check out The Play Way app, where Kate shares videos and resources on stuttering and other communication challenges.