It is normal for toddlers and preschoolers to have occasional bumps in their speech. After all, they are learning how to express big ideas with still-developing language skills. But how do you know if those pauses, repeats, or “stuck” sounds are typical - or signs of a stutter?
Understanding what early stuttering looks like (and when to seek support) can give you peace of mind and help your child get the help they may need.
What is stuttering?
Stuttering is a speech disorder that affects the flow of speech. A child who stutters might repeat sounds, stretch out sounds, or have trouble getting words out. In more significant cases, they can also have some different facial movements. It can come and go and often becomes more noticeable when a child is excited, tired, or under pressure to speak.
What’s normal and what’s not?
Many children between ages 2 and 5 go through a “normal dysfluency” phase as their language skills explode. They may repeat short words or hesitate while they figure out what to say. This is often temporary and not a cause for concern.
However, certain signs may suggest a true stutter that needs professional attention.
Early signs of stuttering in preschoolers
Here are some signs to watch for:
Frequent repetitions
- Repeating sounds or syllables: “B-b-b-ball” or “I-I-I want that.”
- Repeating whole words more than once: “Can-can-can I go?”
Prolongations
- Stretching out sounds: “Sssssssssnake” instead of “snake.”
Blocks or getting ‘Stuck’
- Pauses where the child’s mouth is open but no sound comes out.
- Tension or effort on their face while trying to speak.
Struggle or frustration
- Facial tension, eye blinking, head movements, or clenched fists when speaking.
- Child may seem aware of the difficulty and try to avoid talking.
Avoidance behaviours
- Avoiding certain words or situations.
- Using filler words like “uh” or “you know” excessively to delay speech.
When to seek help
It’s time to consult a speech pathologist if:
- You notice stuttering on more than one occasion. The latest research no longer advises to wait for when stuttering lasts more than 6 months.
- Your child shows signs of frustration or embarrassment.
- There’s a family history of stuttering.
- The stuttering gets worse over time rather than better.
- You notice physical tension or avoidance when they speak.
You don’t need to wait until it’s “severe.” Early intervention can make a big difference, and many children make excellent progress with the right support.
What you can do at home
Even before seeing a specialist, there are ways you can support your child:
- Give them time - pause before responding and don’t rush their speech. Show them they have time to talk.
- Model slow, relaxed speech - speak slowly and clearly yourself. Your calm tone sets the pace for them.
- Listen without pressure - avoid correcting or finishing their sentences. Instead, focus on what they’re saying—not how.
- Build confidence - praise their ideas, not just their speech. The goal is for them to feel confident communicating.
How Inner West Paediatrics can help
If you’re concerned about your preschooler’s speech, trust your gut. While many children outgrow early stuttering, some need extra help, and early support can prevent future frustration or social anxiety.
At Inner West Paediatrics, our experienced speech pathologists work closely with families to assess and support your child’s language development.
We provide:
- Comprehensive assessments
- Individualised therapy plans
- Fun, play-based sessions
- Support for parents and carers
- Collaborative, holistic care with other professionals
Our goal is to help your child feel confident and understood when communicating. If you’re unsure whether your child needs support or just want guidance, we’d love to chat.
Reach out to the team at Inner West Paediatrics to book a consultation or check out our website for more information:
📞 Call us on (02) 9560 8905
🌐 Send us an enquiry here: info@innerwestpaediatrics.com.au
Speech Pathology - Inner West Paediatrics
