by Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP

As summer approaches, many parents begin reflecting on how their child handled the school year socially, emotionally, and academically. For some families, speech and communication concerns become more noticeable during this time of year.

You may have noticed your child struggling to get words out, becoming frustrated while speaking, or avoiding certain talking situations altogether. Sometimes parents are told to “wait and see,” while their gut tells them something more is going on.

While some disfluency can be developmental, other children benefit from early support and guidance — especially before the demands of a new school year begin.

Here are five signs your child may benefit from stuttering support before next school year.

1. Your Child Becomes Frustrated When Talking

One of the first things parents notice is frustration.

Your child may:• stop mid-sentence• restart words repeatedly• say “I can’t say it”• appear tense while speaking• avoid finishing thoughts

Even mild stuttering can become emotionally difficult for children if they begin feeling unsuccessful when communicating.

Speech is not just about talking. It is also tied closely to confidence, participation, and social connection.

2. Your Child Is Avoiding Speaking Situations

Some children begin avoiding talking situations very quietly over time.

You may notice:• shorter answers• reluctance to raise their hand• avoiding ordering food• whispering• letting siblings or parents speak for them• avoiding classroom participation

Many children who stutter become skilled at hiding communication struggles. Parents often notice subtle changes before teachers do.

3. The Stuttering Has Continued for Several Months

Many preschool and young school-age children experience occasional disfluencies. However, if stuttering continues over time or becomes more noticeable, it may be beneficial to seek professional guidance.

Signs can include:• repeating sounds or words• getting “stuck”• prolonging sounds• visible tension while talking• increased difficulty during excitement or pressure

Parents frequently say:“Some days it sounds much better, and other days it seems much worse.”

That variability is very common with stuttering.

4. Your Child Is Becoming More Aware of Their Speech

Children often become increasingly aware of communication differences as they grow older.

You may hear comments such as:• “Why is this happening?”• “Everyone talks faster than me.”• “I hate reading out loud.”• “I don’t want to talk in class.”

As awareness grows, confidence can sometimes decrease if children do not feel supported.

Early support can help children develop healthier communication experiences before avoidance and anxiety increase.

5. School Expectations Are Increasing

Each school year brings greater communication demands.

Children are often expected to:• participate more in class discussions• read aloud• present in front of peers• navigate more social interactions• communicate more independently

Summer can be an ideal time to build communication confidence in a lower-pressure environment before those expectations increase again.

Why Early Support Matters

Stuttering therapy is not simply about eliminating stuttering. Effective support focuses on helping children communicate more comfortably, confidently, and successfully while reducing frustration and fear around speaking.

Every child who stutters is different. Some children benefit from parent coaching and monitoring, while others benefit from direct therapy support.  I have witnessed hundreds stop or decrease stuttering under age 6 especially.

As both a speech-language pathologist who stutters and a mother of a daughter who stuttered, I understand how emotional and confusing this journey can feel for families. Many parents worry about saying the wrong thing, waiting too long, or not knowing what their child needs. Support, education, and early guidance can make a meaningful difference in helping children communicate with greater confidence.

If you find yourself wondering whether your child may need help, trust your instincts. Parents are often the first to recognize when communication is becoming difficult.

Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP, Stuttering Specialist, All Island Speech and Stuttering Therapy www.allislandspeech.com