Stammering
What is Stammering?
Stammering (or stuttering) means the way that words get stuck or repeated but it also means the way that it affects someone inside (their thoughts and feelings) and how it affects their behaviour (i.e. their willingness to speak).A child who stammers may:
- repeat whole words, e.g. “and-and-and then I left”
- repeat single sounds or syllables, e.g. “c-c-come h-h-here mu-mu-mummy”
- prolong or stretch sounds, e.g. “sssssssometimes I go out”
- block, where the mouth is in position, but no sound comes out
How to support your child
Some children are aware of stammering from a young age. It is often helpful to be open about stammering. This shows your child that it’s OK to talk about it, just like you talk about other matters concerning your child. Children often need more time to plan what they want to say, so it helps if you listen and let them finish. If you have other children at home it often helps to support turn-taking too so each child has time to talk.
How to get support for stammering
Children who live in Islington or who have an Islington GP who are stammering can receive support from the Speech and Language Therapy team at the Michael Palin Centre. Parents/carers can self-refer or a Health or Education professional can make the referral on behalf of the child, with parental consent.
The referral form is an online form on the Michael Palin Centre website:
The Michael Palin Centre website has lots of advice, ideas and resources for parents/carers: https://michaelpalincentreforstammering.org/about-stammering/parents/
The Michael Palin Centre helpline is available 9am-5pm Monday-Friday and is available for parents/carers (and also nurseries/schools and children and young people themselves) to call for information and advice: 020 3316 8100
Last updated10 Mar 2025