What causes stuttering?

Stuttering is a neurological condition with a strong genetic component. It is not caused by anxiety, nervousness, or parenting. Research shows that differences in brain structure and function affect the timing and coordination of the speech motor system.

Will my child outgrow stuttering?

Many children who begin stuttering between ages 2–5 do recover naturally, especially within the first 6–12 months of onset. However, some children continue to stutter. Early assessment helps determine the level of risk and whether intervention is recommended.

Can adults benefit from stuttering therapy?

Yes. While stuttering therapy for adults does not typically aim to eliminate stuttering entirely, it can significantly improve fluency, reduce avoidance behaviours, and build confidence in communication. Many adults wish they'd started sooner.

Stuttering in Vancouver, BC

Stuttering

What Is Stuttering?

Stuttering (also called stammering) is a speech fluency disorder characterised by disruptions in the flow of speech. These disruptions may include repeating sounds or syllables (“b-b-ball”), prolonging sounds (“ssssnake”), or blocks where no sound comes out despite effort. Stuttering often begins between ages 2 and 5, when language is developing rapidly.

Signs of Stuttering

Repeating sounds, syllables, or whole words (“I-I-I want that”)
Stretching sounds out longer than usual (“Mmmmummy”)
Getting stuck, where the mouth is in position but no sound comes out
Visible tension or struggle in the face, jaw, or neck when speaking
Avoiding certain words or situations
Frustration or anxiety around speaking

Stuttering vs. Normal Disfluency

All children go through periods of normal disfluency as they learn to talk, repeating whole words (“I want, I want the ball”) or using filler words (“um,” “uh”). Stuttering is distinguished by part-word repetitions, sound prolongations, blocks, and visible tension. If you are unsure whether your child’s speech is typical, an assessment can provide clarity.

How Speech Therapy Helps

For young children, early intervention programs like the Lidcombe Program use parent-delivered feedback in everyday conversations to reduce stuttering. This approach has strong research support and is most effective when started early.

For older children and adults, therapy focuses on fluency strategies, reducing avoidance behaviours, and building confidence as a communicator. The goal is effective, comfortable communication, not necessarily perfectly fluent speech.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes stuttering?: Stuttering is a neurological condition with a strong genetic component. It is not caused by anxiety, nervousness, or parenting. Research shows that differences in brain structure and function affect the timing and coordination of the speech motor system.
Will my child outgrow stuttering?: Many children who begin stuttering between ages 2–5 do recover naturally, especially within the first 6–12 months of onset. However, some children continue to stutter. Early assessment helps determine the level of risk and whether intervention is recommended.
Can adults benefit from stuttering therapy?: Yes. While stuttering therapy for adults does not typically aim to eliminate stuttering entirely, it can significantly improve fluency, reduce avoidance behaviours, and build confidence in communication. Many adults wish they'd started sooner.