If a child has only recently started stammering, should I ‘wait and see’ before making a referral?

You may have heard that professionals often used to advise that families ‘wait and see’ when they notice their child had started to stammer. This is no longer advised. 

Although it is true that many children’s stammers will resolve over time, others will continue to stammer into adulthood. As we are unable to identify which children this will be the case for, it is important that families seek support sooner rather than later, especially if:

• They are worried;
• Their child is aware of their stammer;
• Their child is distressed in relation to their stammer;
• There is a family history of stammering or speech and language difficulties;
• The stammer is continuing and/or seems to be increasing.

Remember that stammering fluctuates over time, which may mean that the stammer presents differently at different points. If a parent/carer is concerned, it is important to listen and seek professional support from a speech and language therapist - even if the child is stammering less frequently or not at all in that moment. 

Research shows that early intervention for stammering is very effective, and, as the wait for an NHS Speech and Language Therapy referral to be processed can sometimes take several months, it can be helpful to get this process under way sooner rather than later. If the stammer has resolved by the time the initial consultation with a Speech and Language Therapist takes place, it can still be helpful for the child’s caregiver to have an opportunity to speak with the Therapist to understand more about stammering and about their options should the stammer return.