Is Stuttering in Children Normal?

Why Early Assessment of Stuttering in Young Children Matters: Advice from a Melbourne Speech Pathologist

If your child has started to stutter, it’s natural to wonder whether you should wait and see if it resolves on its own—or seek professional advice. While stuttering can come and go in early childhood, early assessment by a qualified speech pathologist (also known as a speech therapist) is strongly recommended.

Why Early Assessment of Stuttering Is So Important

Stuttering often begins between the ages of 2 and 4. For some children, it will resolve on its own. However, research has shown that it is not possible to reliably predict which children will recover naturally and which will continue to stutter without support. Early intervention offers the best opportunity to reduce stuttering and prevent long-term impacts on communication, confidence, and social development.

Left untreated, stuttering may persist into adolescence and adulthood, potentially affecting a child’s emotional well-being, academic performance, and social interactions. Early assessment gives families clarity, reassurance, and access to evidence-based therapy options tailored to each child’s needs.

What Happens During a Stuttering Assessment?

A comprehensive stuttering assessment for young children includes:

• A friendly, play-based session to help your child feel at ease

• A detailed case history to explore the onset and nature of the stuttering

• Collection of speech samples (from within the session or via recordings from home)

• Discussion with caregivers about the impact of stuttering on the child and family

• Clear, practical recommendations tailored to your child

It’s important to know that your child doesn’t need to stutter during the session for the assessment to be meaningful—speech samples from home and parent observations are equally valuable.

Expert Stuttering Support in Melbourne – Telehealth or Face-to-Face

Dr Kylie Smith is a Melbourne-based speech pathologist with over 25 years of experience. For the past 17 years, she has worked exclusively in stuttering, supporting children and families with evidence-based, compassionate care. Her approach is collaborative and client-centred, designed to build confidence and reduce the burden of stuttering on daily life.

Appointments are available face-to-face in Melbourne or via telehealth for families across Victoria and Australia.

Book an Assessment or Learn More

If you're concerned about your child’s stuttering, don’t wait. Early assessment can make a real difference.
To book an appointment or learn more about stuttering therapy for young children, contact Dr Kylie Smith today.

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