What is Stammering?

What Is Stammering?

Stammering (known as stuttering outside the UK) is a difference in the way someone speaks. Around 1 in 100 adults and 5% of children experience a stammer at some point.

A stammer can affect how smoothly speech sounds come out. It may include:

• Repetitions of sounds (“b-b-but”), words (“and and and”), or phrases (“and he said and he said…”)

• Prolongations – stretching a sound (“Mmmmmy name is Finn”)

• Blocks – when no sound comes out (“My name is… Finn”)

• Fillers such as “um,” “err,” “ah”

• Tension in the face or body when trying to speak

• Body movements like blinking, tapping, or shifting to push words out

• Irregular breathing patterns such as gasping or taking deep breaths

Stammering can fluctuate. Some days may feel easier than others, and changes over time are normal.

When Does Stammering Start?

Most stammers begin between 2 and 5 years of age, a time when children’s language skills are developing rapidly. This is called developmental stammering.

For many children, the stammer naturally eases or disappears. For others, it continues into later childhood or adulthood.

Stammering can also start later in life. This is called acquired stammering and can sometimes occur after a neurological event or trauma, though it is much rarer.

Common Myths About Stammering

Stammering is not caused by:

• Parenting styles or home environment

• Divorce, separation, or stress

• Being shy, nervous, or anxious

• A person’s intelligence

These are myths that can add unnecessary pressure or guilt. Stammering is nobody’s fault.

What Causes Stammering?

The exact cause of stammering isn’t fully understood, but research shows it is a neurological and genetic difference. It’s related to how the brain plans and coordinates speech movements.

About 60% of people who stammer have a family member who also stammers (STAMMA, 2024).

Other developmental and environmental factors may influence how the stammer presents, but there is no single cause and no one to blame.

How Can Speech and Language Therapy Help?

Speech and language therapists (SLTs) work with children and adults who stammer, and their families, to make communication easier, more enjoyable, and more confident. Therapy is not always needed for people who stammer, therapy is for people who have challenges in daily life due to their stammer.

Therapy for Younger Children (Up to Age 7)

We support parents and carers to:

• Create a relaxed, pressure-free speaking environment

• Build positive communication habits

• Support confidence in speaking and listening

Early intervention is powerful because young children’s brains are flexible, giving them the chance to develop fluent, confident communication skills over time.

Therapy for Older Children and Teenagers

Therapy focuses on what helps most for each individual and their family. We often explore both speech techniques and emotional wellbeing, addressing worries or negative thoughts about talking.

We may work alongside a CBT-trained therapist to help manage:

• Fear of speaking or being judged

• Social anxiety

• Confidence and self-image

This combined approach helps children not only with speech fluency but also with how they feel about talking.

Therapy for Adults Who Stammer

For adults, we provide private online speech and CBT therapy to help you:

• Develop practical speech strategies

• Build confidence in everyday conversations

• Manage anxiety or negative thinking about speaking

Our sessions are tailored to what is important to you, whether that’s improving fluency, communicating more confidently at work, or feeling comfortable stammering openly.

Why Combine Speech Therapy and CBT?

Research and clinical experience show that a combined SLT and CBT approach can be particularly effective.

• Speech therapy focuses on how speech is produced.

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) focuses on how thoughts and emotions affect communication.

Together, they help you manage both the physical and emotional aspects of stammering.

Online Private Therapy for Stammering

At The Stammer Space we offer online therapy sessions for children, teenagers, and adults who stammer, providing accessible, flexible, and evidence-based support from the comfort of your home.

Every person’s journey with stammering is unique. Whether you want to:

• Build confidence in speaking

• Explore fluency techniques

• Reduce anxiety about communication

• Or simply understand your stammer better

We are here to help.

Get in touch today to book an initial consultation