Stuttering is a communication disorder that involves disruptions to speech that interfere with or prevent a person from getting their message across clearly.

• Repeating single sounds (e.g. 'b-b-b-ball'), parts of words (e.g.‘um-um-um-brella’), whole words (e.g.‘and and and and’) or phrases (e.g. ‘then he - then he - then he went to the shops’).
  
•  ‘Prolongations’ or saying a sound for an extended length of time (e.g. ‘mmmmmmmmusic’).
  
•  ‘Blocks’ in speech, where the person is unable to get a sound out and pauses for a long time (e.g. ‘He ate a……watermelon’).

People who stutter may also tense up their face or body as they are speaking. 

Many young children will experience one or more periods of dysfluency/stuttering as they are developing their language. Many of these children will outgrow their stuttering without any intervention, however, it can be difficult to predict which children will grow out of their stuttering and which children are at risk of persistent stuttering.

It can be upsetting for parents when their child first starts stuttering. If you are concerned about your child's fluency when speaking, please contact me to discuss your concerns further.