Stammering occurs in up to 8% of young people’s talking. It is a neurological condition, and it is often related to a young person’s language development.

Stammering is defined as repetitions, prolongations and blocks that occur on sounds or words. This may be accompanied by physical tension, struggle behaviour such as body movements, avoiding saying certain words or avoiding certain situations. Stammering features can vary in frequency and severity according to the speaking situation.

School staff should have an understanding of stammering and create a stammer friendly classroom. Information and strategies for supporting young people who stammer in the classroom is outlined on this document and in these resources:

Michael Palin Centre Guidance  for teachers and Stamma Resources.

Staff should:

• Reduce time pressures and give the young person who stammers time to finish what they are saying.

• Model a slower rate of talking and let the young person say what they want in their own time.

• Focus on what the young person is saying rather than how their words sound.

• Encourage listening and turn taking in the classroom

• Respond to any teasing, bullying or reactions to stammering promptly and sensitively.

• Allow flexibility with oral tasks and discuss with the young person or parent/carers the best way to support the young person who stammers to participate with these tasks.

It is useful to talk to the parents/carers and young person who stammers about what support is needed in the classroom. Discuss if a Speech and Language Therapist is involved or if a referral is needed for an assessment.

This video was created by the Michael Palin Centre as a resource for teachers to support young people who stammer. It’s called “Wait, wait I’m not finished yet….”

Useful resources:

British Stammering Association

A range of information, resources and advice to support those with a stammer, as well as their families and carers. The website includes recommended therapies and courses, as well as ‘Everyday Tips’ and apps and devices.

Michael Palin Centre for Stammering offers a range of support services for young people and parent/carers, as well as training courses for professionals.