Understanding Fluency: How Speech Therapy Helps Children Who Stutter

As parents, we love hearing our children express themselves — their stories, laughter, and questions bring joy to everyday life. But when speech becomes interrupted by pauses, repetitions, or blocks, it can raise concern. These disfluencies may be signs of a fluency disorder, commonly known as stuttering.

If you’ve noticed your child struggling to get words out or becoming frustrated when speaking, you’re not alone — and help is available. Speech therapy can make a meaningful difference in your child’s confidence and communication.

What Is Fluency?

Fluency refers to the smooth, effortless flow of speech. It involves the rhythm, rate, and continuity of words as we talk. Everyone experiences occasional disfluencies — like repeating a word or saying “uh” while thinking — but when these interruptions happen frequently or cause distress, they may signal a fluency disorder.

Common types of disfluencies include:

• Sound or word repetitions (“I-I-I want that”)

• Prolongations (stretching out sounds, like “Ssssssometimes”)

• Blocks (when speech stops suddenly and nothing comes out)

When Should Parents Seek Help?

It can be hard to know when a child’s stuttering is part of normal development or when it requires attention. Consider scheduling an evaluation with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) if your child:

• Repeats sounds or words frequently

• Seems tense, frustrated, or avoids talking

• Has been stuttering for more than 6 months

• Has a family history of stuttering

• Shows physical signs (blinking, jaw tension, facial strain) when trying to speak

  
  

An early evaluation gives you valuable insight and helps determine whether therapy would be beneficial.

ow Speech Therapy Supports Fluency

Speech therapy offers children and families practical tools to improve fluency and communication comfort. During sessions, the SLP may focus on:

• Teaching fluency-enhancing strategies such as easy onsets, pacing, and breathing control

• Building communication confidence through guided practice in safe, encouraging settings

• Reducing tension and fear associated with speaking

• Parent coaching, helping families support fluent speech at home in everyday situations

  
  

Therapy is tailored to your child’s age, goals, and comfort level. The focus is on progress — not perfection.