There are many different types of stutters. Children may experience one type of stutter or a variety of different types of stutters. Stuttering can be very different from one child to another. The types and characteristics of the stutter, and the occurrence of the stutter can vary significantly between children. A stutter for a child can be quite variable from one to another, as well as being variable within a person. Stuttering characteristics may change over time or remain the same; but stuttering can be assessed and treated through speech therapy.
With clinics across Sydney in Bella Vista, Oran Park and Penrith, we proudly also offer our services to local Baulkham Hills, Jamisontown, Werrington Downs, Cranebrook, Glenbrook, Castle Hill, Emu Plains, Glenwood, Kellyville, Kingswood and Seven Hills residents.
There is no link between intelligence and stuttering. A child who stutters is no less intelligent then a child who doesn’t.
Stuttering is most likely caused by a difficulty with neural processing (brain activity). A child who is predisposed to stuttering, may stutter more when they are placed in a situation that causes stress or anxiety.
As a parent it is always easy to feel guilt for a child’s difficulty. However, parenting skills do not impact on a child’s stutter. If you have concerns for your child’s speech and feel they may be stuttering, then it is recommended that you see a Speech Pathologist. Every child is different, and every child needs to be seen individually by a Speech Pathologist to assess their skills.
There are a number of therapy approaches that have been proven to have significant positive results in treating stuttering. In Australia, most Speech Pathologists would use the The Lidcombe Program. This program has been scientifically proven to get positive results with children that are up to 6 years of age.
Sometimes, but not always. Unfortunately it is difficult to predict who will grow out of stuttering and who won’t. An assessment by a Speech Pathologist will look at a number of factors that are relevant to you and your child. Recommendations about whether to start therapy will be made based on these factors.
These features can occur at the beginning, middle or end of words or sentences, but generally occur at the beginning.
This is extending/lengthening or stretching a consonant or vowel sound in a word (e.g. “I waaaaaa—–nt to go outside to play”). This may occur anywhere in the word.
This is where your child is unable to produce a sound at all. There is stoppage of airflow. It appears like there is a short period of silence or silent struggling. Your child may still try to speak but struggles to get the word out. Generally blocking occurs at the beginning of a word or sentence.
Children may develop one or more types of stutters. Stuttering can be very different for each child. Research indicates that approximately 5% of children under the age of 5 stutter.
If you have concerns for your child’s talking, understanding or speech sound development contact Chatterbox Speech Pathology to book an assessment.
Chatterbox Speech Pathology & Occupational Therapy are here to support you by continuing to provide healthcare to our community.
Our team including speech therapists and occupational therapists are continuing to offer care to address the source of your problem and pain at our Oran Park, Penrith, Bella Vista & Kingswood clinics. We have escalated our already stringent hygiene routines to ensure a safe environment for all.
We are also offering online speech therapy and occupational therapy appointments.
Get started straight away and call us on 02 4731 2432 for our Penrith clinic, 02 8814 1821 for our Bella Vista clinic or 02 4647 6777 for our Oran Park clinic to speak with our friendly team, ask any questions and to start getting help or book online now!
Jennifer Kay
Chief Executive Officer
Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology)
Jennifer Kay graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology). She is the founder and Director of Chatterbox Speech Pathology and established the clinic in 2004. Previous to this Jennifer worked as a Speech Pathologist in both government and private sectors providing therapy in clinic, preschools, schools and in home settings.
Jennifer is extremely passionate when it comes to Speech Pathology and has a particular interest in early intervention, language and literacy development. She believes that communication skills are the foundation for success later in life. Jennifer values the importance of developing intervention which is individually tailored to the child and their family. Jennifer believes that there is no better feeling than helping a child to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
Jennifer has a strong belief in providing a family friendly practice where learning should be fun! The therapists are provided with the latest assessment tools in order to obtain a holistic picture of a child’s strengths and difficulties. Jennifer supplies the team with a combination of bright colourful resources and technology in order to engage and motivate a child.
Jennifer works closely with her team of Speech Pathologists. She provides constant support, mentoring and training to ensure that Chatterbox delivers the highest standard of Speech Pathology services to children and their families. She has an evidence based philosophy and believes in the importance of Professional Development as it continually updates and develops a clinician’s skills. This ensures the Chatterbox team is able to provide families with the latest scientifically supported therapy.
Driven by a strong passion for Professional Development, Jennifer has sought out leaders in the field of Speech Pathology to present workshops to the Chatterbox team and Speech Pathologists Australia wide. She has worked alongside some of the leading Australian experts in Speech Pathology such as; Dr Roslyn Neilson, Dr Barbara Dodd, Professor Jacqueline Roberts and Dr Caroline Bowen. Jennifer has also hosted international guest speakers such as UK based Developmental Psychologist Dr Kevin Durkin and Speech and Language Pathologist Professor Gina Conti-Ramsden as well as Dr Rhea Paul author of Language Disorders: Infancy through Adolescence.
Jennifer understands the impact that speech and language difficulties have on young children and their families. She has presented numerous workshops and seminars over the years providing guidance and advice to both Teachers and Parents focusing on early intervention and language development. Jennifer has developed positive relationships with many of the local preschool centres and schools by offering support, advice and teacher mentoring.
When Jennifer isn’t living and breathing Speech Pathology she enjoys spending time with her 3 adorable kids – Sophia, Ava and Spencer as well as her husband Leigh. She enjoys indulging in a massage, catching up with friends and has a love for travel and looks forward to her next big family holiday.