Hearing your child get stuck on words or struggle to speak smoothly can bring up a lot of questions. With the right support, children can learn to communicate more comfortably and confidently.

What is stuttering?

Stuttering (also called a fluency disorder) affects the flow of speech.

Children who stutter may:

• Repeat sounds, words, or phrases (“b-b-b-ball”)

• Stretch out sounds (“sssssun”)

• Get stuck on a word where no sound comes out

It’s common for some disfluencies to occur as children learn language, but persistent or worsening stuttering may benefit from support.

Signs your child may need speech therapy

• Frequent sound or word repetitions

• Speech that sounds “stuck” or effortful

• Tension in the face or body when speaking

• Avoiding talking or certain words

• Frustration or awareness of speech difficulty

• Family history of stuttering

What speech therapy looks like

• Teaching strategies to support smoother, more relaxed speech

• Reducing tension and effort during talking

• Building confidence in communication

• Helping children feel comfortable expressing themselves

• Supporting families with strategies to use at home

When to reach out

• Stuttering lasts longer than 6 months

• Stuttering is increasing or becoming more noticeable

• Your child shows frustration, tension, or avoidance

• You feel concerned about their speech

👉 Early support can help reduce the impact of stuttering and build confidence.

Serving families in Portland, Oregon

Speech therapy services for children in Portland and surrounding areas.