How might stammering impact a primary school-aged child?

As children prepare for the transition into primary school, it is important that early years' practitioners are aware of the impact of stammering on children's early development. 

We know that stammering can have a negative impact on a child’s emotional and social development, wellbeing and mental health - both during their childhood years and in the longer-term.

Stammering can negatively impact children in the following ways:

• Experience frustration and embarrassment
• Increased likelihood of experiencing teasing and bullying
• Social difficulties, such as struggling to initiate and form lasting friendships
• Low self-esteem and other emotional difficulties, such as worry or fear of social situations
• Avoidance behaviours, leading to missed experiences and opportunities. For example, to try to hide their stammer a child may avoid saying certain things, or avoid speaking to particular people or in particular situations, such as during class discussions.
• In the longer term, this can mean that a child limit their career options and future aspirations

Early intervention and support reduces these negative impacts on a child, and supports them to feel confident in their communication.