Stuttering & Fluency Resources for Families:
The Soundmill Centre Adelaide
Supporting Children Who Stutter
Many children experience periods of repeating sounds, words, or phrases as their language skills are developing. For some children, these disfluencies are temporary and resolve over time. For others, they may be an early sign of stuttering. Stuttering is more than simply “getting stuck” on words. It can influence a child’s confidence, participation in learning, and social interaction. In Australia and internationally, stuttering is estimated to affect around 5% of children at some point in early childhood, with approximately 1% continuing to stutter into adulthood.
Early, supportive intervention can make a meaningful difference. Speech pathology support focuses on helping children communicate with confidence, supporting families to respond helpfully, and reducing the impact of stuttering on everyday life. The resources below provide families with trusted, evidence-based information to help recognise stuttering and understand how best to support children who stutter at home, at school, and in the community.
Australian Stuttering Research Centre (UTS)
Australia’s leading research centre into stuttering. Includes information for parents and therapy options.
Healthdirect Australia – Stuttering
Printable milestone posters (ages 2 months–5 years) across all skill areas.
The Stuttering Foundation
Free brochures, videos, and tips for families on supporting children who stutter.
National Stuttering Association (NSA)
A robust portal offering support programs, educational resources.
Speak Easy Association (Australia)
Offers Smooth Speech maintenance groups in-person and online, open to all people who stutter
My Health and Development Blue Book – SA Health (0 - 5)
Every child born in South Australia receives a Blue Book to track their health and development milestones .
These resources are intended as a general guide and do not replace an individual assessment or diagnosis. Every child’s speech and fluency develop differently, and it’s okay to seek advice if you have questions or concerns. If your child is experiencing ongoing stuttering, or if you’re unsure whether what you’re hearing is typical, early guidance from a speech pathologist can provide reassurance and practical support.