Fluency (Stuttering)

What is stuttering?

Stuttering is a fluency disorder that affects the flow of speech. It is a neurological condition, not a sign of nervousness or a lack of intelligence.

A person who stutters may:

  • repeat sounds or syllables (e.g., “b-b-b-ball”)
  • stretch sounds (e.g., “ssssun”)
  • get stuck or “block” on a word, where no sound comes out

Stuttering can change depending on the situation. It may happen more when a child is excited, tired, or feeling pressure to speak quickly, and less in other situations.

Stuttering vs. normal disfluency

All children go through periods of normal disfluency as they learn to talk, repeating whole words (“I want, I want the ball”) or using filler words (“um,” “uh”). Stuttering is distinguished by part-word repetitions, sound prolongations, blocks, and visible tension or struggle. If you are unsure whether your child’s speech is typical, an assessment can provide clarity.

When to seek help

Preschool-age children (ages 2–5)

Many young children go through a period of normal disfluency as their language develops. However, you should consider an assessment if your child:

  • has been stuttering for more than 6 months
  • shows signs of tension or struggle when speaking
  • avoids speaking or becomes frustrated when talking
  • has a family history of stuttering that persisted into adulthood

Early intervention for preschool-age stuttering is highly effective. Research shows that many children who receive early therapy can achieve natural-sounding fluency.

School-age children and teens

For older children and teens, stuttering may affect participation in class, social interactions, and confidence. Therapy can help at any age, and there is no “too late” to benefit from support.

How speech-language therapy helps

At West End Speech, we help children and adults:

  • build confidence when speaking
  • learn strategies to manage moments of stuttering
  • reduce tension and struggle during speech
  • advocate for themselves in school, work, and social settings
  • communicate openly about stuttering

Parents also learn ways to support comfortable communication at home.

Our approach

What therapy looks like depends on the person’s age, needs, and goals.

For preschool-age children

We use early intervention programs with strong research behind them, such as the Lidcombe Program, which uses parent-delivered feedback in everyday conversations to reduce stuttering. Parents learn specific strategies to create a communication environment at home that supports fluent speech. These programs are most effective when started early.

For school-age children and teens

Therapy may include a combination of:

  • fluency shaping: techniques that promote smoother, easier speech (e.g., easy onsets, light contacts, phrasing)
  • stuttering modification: strategies for managing moments of stuttering with less tension and more control
  • confidence and self-advocacy: helping the child or teen speak openly about stuttering, request accommodations at school, and participate fully in conversations

For adults

Adult fluency therapy focuses on practical communication goals, management strategies, and reducing the impact of stuttering on daily life. We support clients in building a healthy relationship with their communication.

What to expect

Assessment

We begin with a thorough assessment of your child’s fluency, including the types, frequency, and severity of disfluencies, as well as any related tension, avoidance, or emotional impact. We also discuss your concerns and your child’s communication needs.

Therapy sessions

Sessions vary by age and approach. For preschool children, therapy often involves parent coaching with structured home practice. For older children and adults, sessions include direct practice of strategies, real-life communication tasks, and goal-setting.

A supportive environment

Stuttering can carry a lot of emotional weight. Our space is one where clients can talk openly about their experiences and work on feeling more confident in how they communicate.

How to get started

If you’re concerned about your child’s fluency, or if you’re an adult who stutters, contact us to book an assessment. We offer fluency therapy online across BC and in-person in Vancouver, in English and French.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes stuttering?
Stuttering is a neurological condition with a strong genetic component. It is not caused by anxiety, nervousness, or parenting, though these can make it worse. Research shows that differences in brain structure and function affect the timing and coordination of the speech motor system.
Will my child outgrow stuttering?
Many children who begin stuttering between ages 2–5 do recover naturally, especially within the first 6–12 months of onset. However, some children continue to stutter. Early assessment helps determine the level of risk and whether intervention is recommended.
How long does fluency therapy take?
It depends on the client's age and goals. Preschool children using parent-led approaches often see meaningful change within several months. For older children, teens, and adults, therapy is typically longer-term and focused on building durable skills and confidence rather than reaching a fixed endpoint.
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