With Speech Pathologist Kate
Stuttering is often misunderstood, but Speech Pathologist Kate O'Leary is here to set the record straight. A valued member of The Play Way Team, Kate sat down with us to talk through what stuttering is, how it shows up in everyday life, and the best ways to support children navigating this challenge.
So, what exactly is stuttering?
"Stuttering is a disruption in the rhythm and flow of speech," Kate explains. "A person knows exactly what they want to say, but the words don't always come out smoothly."
It can show up in a few different ways:
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Repeating sounds (b-b-ball), syllables (cat-cat-caterpillar), or whole words (then then then we get ice cream!).
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Stretching out sounds (Where is mmmmum?).
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Struggling to get words out, sometimes with physical tension or 'blocking'.
Beyond speech, there can be other tell-tale signs. "Some kids might use extra filler words like 'um' or 'ah', repeat entire phrases, or even develop little physical movements, like blinking or tapping their foot," Kate says. "Others may start avoiding certain words or sounds altogether."
Stuttering can affect people of all ages, but it often begins in children around 3 to 4 years old as their language skills rapidly develop. The onset can be sudden or gradual, and its severity can vary significantly. Stuttering can be unpredictable, changing in how it sounds and when it occurs. In young children, it may even disappear and reappear over time. While many young children eventually stop stuttering, it's impossible to predict when or if this will happen.
Spotting the signs
For parents wondering whether their child's speech pattern is just a phase, Kate offers reassurance. "Many kids between two and four go through a 'bumpy' talking stage as they start putting longer sentences together," she explains. "But true stuttering involves those specific patterns—repetitions, prolongations, and blocks—and that's when it's good to seek guidance from a speech pathologist."
One of the biggest myths about stuttering? That kids will simply grow out of it. "Some do, but many don't," Kate says. "And we can't predict who will and who won't. That's why early support is key."
Myth-busting: What stuttering is not
There are plenty of misconceptions around stuttering, and Kate is quick to clear them up:
It's not caused by parenting styles. "Nothing you did or didn't do caused your child to stutter," Kate reassures.
It's not linked to low intelligence. "There's absolutely no connection between stuttering and a person's intellect."
It's not contagious. "Kids don't 'catch' a stutter from others."
Stuttering is not caused by anxiety, stress, or nervousness. While these factors can make stuttering more pronounced, they don't cause the underlying condition.
It's not always something that needs to be 'fixed'. "For some people, their stutter is part of their identity, and they embrace it."
And perhaps most importantly: telling someone to 'slow down' or 'just relax' isn't likely to help.
"It's natural to want to help, but interrupting someone to give advice can increase stress and pressure, making it harder for them to speak fluently. Instead, focus on the content of their message, not the way it's delivered. Give them the time and space to express themselves in their own way, without interruption."
Practical ways to support a child who stutters
If you suspect your child is stuttering, Kate's advice is simple: seek professional support early. But in the meantime, there are some easy ways to help:
Slow your own speech. "Not exaggeratedly slow, just a little more relaxed. It helps kids feel less rushed."
Give them time. "Avoid jumping in to finish their sentences."
Use gentle prompts. "Instead of asking open-ended questions, try giving choices, like 'Did you have strawberries or an apple today?'"
Acknowledge their effort. "Even if it takes time, celebrate their communication, however it comes out."
Keep a diary. "Noting when the stutter appears and what's happening at the time can be really useful for a speech pathologist."
Stuttering in the spotlight
Stuttering is more common than many people realise; around 1 in 100 people stutter. And some of the world's most well-known figures have experienced it, including Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, King George VI, Ed Sheeran, and Emily Blunt.
Speaking of Marilyn Monroe, Kate shares a fascinating tidbit: "Anything that changes the rhythm and flow of speech, like singing or using an accent, can sometimes 'override' a stutter. That's why Marilyn developed her famous breathy voice!"
When to seek help
One of the most common questions Kate hears is: When do I need to be worried?
Her answer? "If you notice signs of stuttering, particularly those repetitions, blocks, or physical signs, seek advice sooner rather than later. Early intervention gives children the best chance to develop confidence in their communication."
There's no 'one-size-fits-all' timeline for therapy, but the good news is, support is out there. "Every child is different," Kate says, "but with the right guidance, they can learn to communicate in a way that feels good for them."
For more expert advice on speech and language development, check out The Play Way app, where Kate shares videos and resources on stuttering and other communication challenges.
