What is Stammering?

• Stammering i a neurological condition that makes it physically hard to speak
• Someone who stammers will repeat, prolong or get stuck on sounds or words. There might also be signs of visible tension as the person struggles to get the word out.

Stammering is NOT just about getting the words out!!

• Stammering can affect a child's wellbeing, their confidence and even their vocational or academic choices
• A child who stammers may:
  • Become anxious, distressed or reluctant to speak
  • try to hide their stammer by changing the word, saying less, or avoiding speaking altogether in some situations
  • experience feelings of shame, guilt, anger, anxiety, embarrassment, humiliation, sadness, frustration or helplessness

Children often tend to stammer more when they are :

• tired
• excited/ upset
• competing for attention/ interrupting
• answering questions
• using more complex language
• using new vocabulary or sentence structures
• rushing

Children often stammer less when they are:

• well rested
• feeling calm/ confident
• in 1:1 situations
• responding to comments
• using simpler language
• taking their time with talking