Stammering, also known as stuttering, affects around five percent of young children. While many children grow out of it, others need specialist support to develop fluent, confident speech. At WonderKids in Malta, our speech and language pathologist provides expert stammering therapy tailored to each child’s age and needs.
What Is Stammering?
Stammering is a speech fluency disorder characterised by disruptions in the flow of speech. Children who stammer may:
- Repeat sounds, syllables, or words (for example, “b-b-b-ball” or “I want-want-want to go”)
- Prolong sounds (for example, “ssssssnake”)
- Block on sounds, appearing to get stuck with no sound coming out
- Show physical tension in the face, jaw, or neck when trying to speak
- Avoid certain words or speaking situations because they fear stammering
When Should Parents Be Concerned?
A degree of disfluency is normal in children aged two to five as their language skills develop rapidly. However, you should seek professional advice if:
- Stammering has been present for more than six months
- Your child shows physical tension or struggle when speaking
- Stammering is getting worse rather than improving
- Your child is aware of and frustrated by their stammering
- There is a family history of persistent stammering
- Your child is avoiding speaking or becoming withdrawn
How Does Stammering Therapy Work?
At WonderKids, our approach depends on your child’s age, the severity of the stammer, and how long it has been present.
For Young Children (Under 6)
We primarily use the Lidcombe Program, an evidence-based approach where parents learn to provide specific verbal feedback during everyday conversations. This approach has strong research support for reducing stammering in young children. We guide parents through the programme step by step, with regular clinic sessions to monitor progress.
For Older Children
For school-age children, therapy focuses on:
- Speech modification techniques such as easy onsets, light contacts, and smooth transitions between sounds
- Confidence building to reduce avoidance and increase willingness to communicate
- Desensitisation to reduce the fear and tension associated with stammering
- Education to help the child understand their stammer and feel less alone
For All Ages
We also work on:
- Reducing communication pressure in daily environments
- Building positive attitudes towards speaking
- Collaborating with schools to ensure a supportive classroom environment
Supporting Your Child at Home
Parents play a vital role in stammering therapy. We provide guidance on maintaining a relaxed communication environment, including speaking at a calm pace, giving your child time to finish their sentences, and showing that what they say matters more than how they say it.
Book a Stammering Assessment
If you are concerned about your child’s speech fluency, contact WonderKids on +356 77048650 or email [email protected]. Our Mosta and Zebbug clinics provide a welcoming environment where your child can build confidence and fluency.