For many children, stuttering is a temporary part of early speech and language development. For others, it will persist. While research can’t yet predict who will stop stuttering naturally, early support can make a meaningful difference, helping your child communicate more confidently and with less effort.

No. Stuttering is no one’s fault. It is a neurodevelopmental condition, and while genetics can play a role, parenting style or specific events do not cause stuttering. The most important thing you can do is provide a supportive environment for your child to communicate.

There’s a lot you can do to support your child. Give them time to finish their thoughts, and focus on what they’re saying rather than how they’re saying it. If they’re finding it hard to get their words out, gently reassure them that you’re listening and that it’s okay to take their time. A consultation with a speech pathologist experienced in stuttering can offer tailored strategies based on your child’s individual needs.

If you’re concerned, it’s worth seeking advice. A speech pathologist with experience in stuttering can help you decide whether your child would benefit from therapy now or if it’s better to monitor. Early support doesn’t always mean starting therapy straight away, but it gives you a plan.

It can, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to. Children who feel accepted and understood are more likely to develop resilience and confidence. Speech therapy often includes support for emotional wellbeing as well as speech fluency.

It is common for stuttering to fluctuate. Factors like fatigue, excitement, or anxiety can make stuttering more noticeable. Similarly, there are situations where stuttering may reduce or even disappear - such as when a child is singing, whispering, or using a ‘play voice’. Stuttering can also stop for a period of days, weeks or months, and then return.

Some disfluency is normal in early speech development but this is different from developmental stuttering. A speech pathologist can help you tell the difference. True stuttering often involves repetitions of sounds or syllables, stretching out sounds, or moments when no sound comes out at all (blocking).

Many children do recover naturally, but research can’t reliably predict who will. What we do know is that early support can make a positive difference. If your child has been stuttering for more than a few months, it’s a good idea to seek professional advice to help guide the next steps.

Yes. When teachers are aware of stuttering, they can better support your child in childcare, preschool, or school. Understanding and small changes in the classroom can go a long way in helping children who stutter feel confident, included, and heard.

Stuttering itself doesn’t cause learning difficulties, but some children may also experience challenges in other areas of communication, such as language or literacy. A comprehensive assessment can help identify difficulties and guide the best way to support your child’s learning and development.

Yes. Research and clinical experience show that stuttering therapy delivered via telehealth can be as effective as face-to-face therapy for both children and adults. Telehealth allows therapy to take place in real-world speaking environments, which can support carryover and generalisation of skills.

Telehealth works well for preschool and school-aged children, teenagers, and adults who stutter. It is particularly helpful for families with busy schedules, people living outside metropolitan areas, or those who prefer therapy from home. Many families and adults find telehealth offers practical advantages - no travel time, the comfort of your own environment, and easier scheduling flexibility.

Yes. If you live within the vicinity of the clinic, you may choose to have the initial assessment face-to-face and then move to telehealth for ongoing therapy. This can be a helpful way to build rapport before transitioning to the convenience of telehealth for regular sessions.

Sessions are conducted via a secure video platform (e.g., Zoom) and are relaxed and interactive. They may include conversation, structured speaking tasks, games (for children), and real-life practice activities. Parents are involved in sessions with younger children, while adolescents and adults typically work more independently.

No special equipment is required. You will need a device with a camera and microphone (laptop, tablet, or desktop), a stable internet connection, and a quiet, private space.

Much of the work in managing stuttering in young children occurs through parent coaching. Telehealth supports this particularly well, as the speech pathologist can work directly with parents while the child is in their familiar home environment.

Yes. A comprehensive stuttering assessment can be completed via telehealth using conversational speech, structured speaking tasks, and recordings across different contexts. Telehealth often provides valuable insight into how stuttering presents in everyday, natural communication settings.

Therapy is individualised and evidence-based. Depending on age and individual needs, therapy may focus on:

·       reducing stuttering

·       building communication confidence

·       increasing awareness and self-monitoring

·       managing speaking situations

·       reducing the impact of stuttering on daily life

The specific approach is discussed following assessment and adjusted as therapy progresses.

That’s very common. This can be discussed prior to booking an assessment. You’re welcome to contact Dr Kylie Smith to talk through your situation and decide together whether telehealth is the best option for you or your child.

Medicare M10
From 1 March 2026, stuttering will be added to the Medicare M10 item group, meaning children and young people under 25 with a referral from a GP, consultant physician, or specialist can access:

• Up to 8 assessment sessions

• Up to 20 treatment sessions

These are lifetime totals available before your child turns 25. The current standard Medicare rebate is $87.25 per session. 

Chronic Disease Management Plan
Some clients may be eligible for Medicare rebates through a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan, also known as a GP Management Plan. This requires a referral from your GP and can provide access to up to five allied health sessions per calendar year at a reduced cost. For more information about CDM plans and eligibility, visit the Services Australia website: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/gp-chronic-condition-management-plan?context=20

If you have private health insurance with extras cover, you may be able to claim rebates for speech pathology services. The level of cover varies between insurers and policies, so check with your health fund to see what rebate you're entitled to.

Yes. Please contact the clinic to discuss how your plan can be used to access stuttering assessment and therapy.

Please contact the clinic if you have questions about fees, rebates, or payment options.