Yes. Exactly the same. The only difference is that in the UK we tend to use the word ‘stammering’ and in the USA the word ‘stuttering’ is used. If you are reading about stammering in a book or online and see the word stuttering then you can assume they are talking about the same thing.

Stammering often changes over time and throughout a person’s life. It can happen either more or less depending on where you are, who you are talking to, and how you are feeling. It can also happen more during periods of stress or change such as during exams, when moving house or changing school, or when starting a new job. Some people who stammer have periods of fluency which can last months at a time. It can sometimes be possible to identify patterns to these changes but there are also times when stammering just seems to happen for no reason, which can be frustrating.

No. Stammering is nobody’s fault. There is no research or evidence to suggest that stammering is caused by parents or anybody else. In fact, the opposite is true – as parents you are in the perfect position to help your child.

Therapy can be very helpful. For younger children, parents are always involved and the first step is often Palin Parent-Child Interaction therapy. Building and maintaining confidence is also important. For young people, therapy is about mastery – knowing and understanding stammering and having the skills to manage it. For adults, there can be a perceived pressure from others to speak fluently. Some adults see stammering as a different and acceptable way of speaking, and others seek support so they can live their lives how they want to. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can be beneficial for managing the negative thoughts and emotions that are related to stammering. 

Please get in touch if you have any questions about therapy or how I can help. 

For many people stammering is not a problem, and it does not stop them or bother them in any way. In fact, some people are proud of their stammering and celebrate their difference and their neurodivergence. For others, stammering can result in feelings of anxiety, shame, or frustration, and it can stop them from living their lives the way they want to. For younger children, there might be some telltale signs that their stammering causes discomfort, such as visible frustration, changing words, or speaking less. Sometimes this can happen despite support from parents.

Generally speaking, if there is stammering happening and it is also causing concern or worry, or if it is getting in the way, then an assessment might be a helpful first step.

Some people think that once young children have been stammering for more than 2 years then it will continue throughout their life. This is a myth. There is evidence to show that children and young people can stop stammering, or their stammering can reduce to the point that it is not a barrier for them, no matter how long they have been stammering for. There is one rule about stammering, which is: there are no rules! Every child is different, and it is often helpful to identify the factors that influence your child’s stammering. 

No, stress and anxiety do not cause stammering. However, some people might experience high stress or anxiety in certain situations which can then result in more stammering e.g. giving a presentation, using the telephone, or meeting people for the first time. There is no research to suggest that people who stammer are naturally more anxious than anybody else, however anxiety can develop over time if stammering results in difficult experiences, or negative reactions from others.