Fluency Therapy (Stammering)
Smoother, easier speech and confidence to talk.
Suitable for ages 2 – 18 years
Overview
Stammering involves repetitions, prolongations and blocks, often with physical tension and avoidance. Early intervention in pre-schoolers has very high success rates, and older children and teenagers can achieve controlled, comfortable fluency.
We use the Lidcombe Programme for young children and fluency-shaping plus stammering-modification techniques for older children, combined with work on the anxiety and avoidance that maintain the problem.
Signs your child may need this therapy
- Repeating sounds, syllables or whole words
- Prolonging sounds — 'ssssschool'
- Silent blocks where no sound comes out
- Facial tension, eye blinking or head movements while speaking
- Avoiding certain words, people or speaking situations
- Frustration or embarrassment about talking
Benefits of Fluency Therapy (Stammering)
- Increased fluent speech in daily situations
- Reduced physical tension and struggle
- Practical techniques for difficult moments
- Lower speech-related anxiety
- Confidence in classroom answering and presentations
- Family strategies that reduce time pressure
Treatment process
- STEP 1
Speech and language assessment
A 60-minute evaluation of receptive language, expressive language, articulation, oral-motor structures, fluency, voice and social communication, with parent interview and play observation.
- STEP 2
Diagnosis and goal setting
We explain exactly where your child sits against age expectations and agree on functional communication goals — first words, two-word phrases, clearer /s/ and /r/, smoother speech.
- STEP 3
Customised therapy plan
Approaches are matched to the child: Hanen-style parent coaching for toddlers, minimal pairs or cycles for articulation, PECS or AAC where speech is not yet functional.
- STEP 4
Weekly sessions
45-minute one-to-one sessions, 2–3 times per week for early intervention, in a distraction-controlled therapy room with live modelling for parents.
- STEP 5
Parent training and home practice
You receive weekly home activities that fit into daily routines — bath time, mealtimes, the drive to school — because 15 focused minutes a day outperforms an hour once a week.
- STEP 6
Progress monitoring
Word counts, intelligibility ratings and language sample analysis are re-measured monthly, with a written progress report every quarter.
FAQ
Fluency Therapy (Stammering) — your questions answered
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Not sure where to start? Begin with an assessment.
One hour with our team gives you a clear picture of your child's development and a written plan you can act on — whether or not you continue therapy with us.