Fluency (Stuttering)

Understanding Stuttering in Children

It’s normal for young children to go through periods of disfluency as they learn to talk — but when stuttering becomes frequent, frustrating, or persists beyond the preschool years, it may be time to seek support. Stuttering is a type of speech fluency disorder that affects how smoothly and easily a child speaks. This may include repetitions, sound prolongations, or visible struggle when trying to talk.
At Look Who’s Talking SLP, we specialise in stuttering therapy for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. Our team provides gentle, effective support using the internationally recognised Lidcombe Program, designed specifically for young children who stutter. Whether your child’s stutter comes and goes, has recently increased, or is causing them distress, our team can help.
We offer fluency therapy in our Sinagra clinic, via Telehealth, and through home visits. Early support can make a big difference — and we’re here to walk the journey with you. As a parent-coaching program, a guardian must be present for all sessions. Our services are available to both private clients and NDIS participants.

Signs Your Child May Need Fluency Support

You may want to book an assessment if your child:

  • Repeats sounds, syllables, or whole words (e.g. “b-b-b-ball” or “I-I-I want”)
  • Gets “stuck” or experiences blocks where no sound comes out
  • Prolongs sounds unnaturally (e.g. “sssssssnake”)
  • Shows frustration, tension, or avoids speaking
  • Is aware of their speech and tries to “hide” it
  • Has a family history of stuttering
  • Has been stuttering for more than 6 months

While stuttering often begins between ages 2 and 5, it can affect children at any age — and getting help early often leads to better outcomes.

How We Help

At Look Who’s Talking SLP, our approach to stuttering therapy is supportive, evidence-based, and personalised to your child’s needs and family routines. We use the Lidcombe Program, a parent-led behavioural therapy designed for young children who stutter. This program involves positive reinforcement, structured play, and weekly check-ins with our team to monitor progress.
We work closely with families every step of the way — empowering parents to support therapy at home and helping children feel safe, seen, and successful in their communication.

FAQs – Fluency (Stuttering)

The Lidcombe Program is a proven, parent-delivered treatment for stuttering in children under 6. It uses positive reinforcement and structured conversation time to help reduce stuttering in natural environments.
If your child is stuttering regularly and it’s been happening for more than a few months, early stuttering intervention is recommended. We often see children from 3 years of age.
No — stuttering is a neurological condition, not caused by stress or anxiety. However, stuttering can lead to frustration or avoidance if left untreated, which is why early support is helpful.
Stuttering often varies in how it presents and how severe it is. Even if it comes and goes, it can still impact a child’s confidence and communication — and may increase over time. A speech therapist can assess whether therapy is recommended, considering factors like frequency, severity, and family history.
Yes! We offer Telehealth sessions for speech fluency for children, so families can access support from anywhere, with flexible appointment options to suit your schedule.