October 22 is International Stuttering Awareness Day, a time to raise awareness and challenge misconceptions around stuttering. To recognize this day, we sat down with OCH’s own Kara Taggart, M. ED., CCC-SLP, to discuss what parents should know about stuttering and how they can support their children in building confidence and communicating comfortably.
Understanding Stuttering
Stuttering affects the flow of speech and can look different for everyone. A person may repeat sounds or words, stretch out a sound, or experience a block when a word feels stuck. Stuttering can also vary from day to day depending on the situation, the listener, emotions, or the complexity of what someone wants to say.
“Stuttering is not caused by anxiety alone, and it is not something a child chooses to do,” says Kara. Parents do not cause stuttering by how they speak to their child, and telling a child to slow down or relax is not a solution.
About 5% of children experience stuttering that lasts six months or longer, and many recover by late childhood. Early recognition and guidance from a speech-language pathologist can help families better understand their child’s needs and determine whether support may be beneficial.
When Should Parents Seek Help?
If you have concerns about your child’s speech, reaching out to a speech-language pathologist, such as Kara, can help you understand what your child is experiencing and explore available support.
Consider seeking an evaluation if stuttering continues for several months, your child seems frustrated or upset when speaking, or communication begins to affect social interactions, school, or everyday activities.
Speech therapy can help address communication confidence, speaking comfort, and participation. Treatment goals reflect each child’s individual needs and what matters most to them and their family.
How Parents Can Support a Child Who Stutters
Stuttering is about more than the words someone says. Children may become frustrated, worry about how others will react, or avoid certain words and speaking situations. Creating a supportive environment at home can help children feel more comfortable expressing themselves.
Here are a few ways Kara says parents can help:
- Listen without rushing. Give your child time to finish speaking without interrupting or completing their sentences. Show that you are interested in what they have to say, not just how they say it.
- Maintain natural eye contact. Continue listening as you normally would, even when your child stutters. This helps show that you are engaged and accepting.
- Make conversations more relaxed. Take turns talking, reduce interruptions, and set aside time to talk together without feeling rushed.
- Avoid telling your child to slow down or relax. These comments can unintentionally add pressure. Instead, focus on the message your child is sharing.
- Encourage confidence and participation. Let your child know their thoughts and ideas matter. Encourage them to participate in conversations and activities without making fluent speech a requirement.
One of the most important things parents and caregivers can do is provide time, patience, and acceptance. Children benefit from knowing they can share their thoughts without being rushed or judged.
As Kara shares, “One of the most supportive things we can do for someone who stutters is give them time and listen to what they’re saying. Every person deserves to feel that their words are worth hearing.”
Speech Therapy at Ozarks Community Hospital
At Ozarks Community Hospital, our Speech-Language Pathology team works with children and families to address communication concerns with individualized, compassionate care. Kara sees patients ages 4 to 18 and helps families find ways to support their children’s communication needs and confidence.
If you have questions about your child’s speech or would like to explore our speech therapy services, contact OCH’s therapy department or visit ochonline.net/specialties/speech-therapy to learn more.