Speech Therapy in School

Understanding Speech Therapy for School-Age Children Who Stutter

Therapy for school-age children and teens who stutter is different from therapy for preschoolers.

For younger children, goals often focus on preventing negative reactions and supporting parents through early concerns. While these remain important, therapy for older children expands to include emotional growth, self-advocacy, and communication comfort.

As children grow, therapy must evolve with them. A broad-based approach is essential—one that goes beyond fluency to address feelings, confidence, and the child’s experience in school and social settings.

Individualized, Supportive, and Holistic Therapy

Every child who stutters has unique needs.

Caregivers should be cautious of any clinician who promises a “one-size-fits-all” treatment. Effective speech therapy is always individualized, built around the student’s specific goals and challenges.

The aim of therapy for school-age children and teens is to help them communicate freely and confidently without fear of stuttering holding them back. This does not mean fluency is the goal—most people who stutter will continue to stutter throughout life—but that stuttering should never limit participation, self-expression, or success.

How Therapy Helps Children Communicate Comfortably

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work collaboratively with children and families to identify strategies that make communication easier and more enjoyable.

Therapy may include:

• Techniques for speaking with greater ease, such as easy onsets or paced speech.

• Learning to stutter with less physical tension by easing through moments of disfluency.

• Exercises to reduce avoidance and increase comfort during conversations.

• Emotional support to build self-acceptance and reduce fear of judgment.

Since stuttering often involves physical tension, fear, or shame, therapy should address both the speech behaviors and the emotional experience of stuttering.

Fostering Acceptance and Identity

Acceptance is a key part of successful therapy.

Children who learn to view stuttering as a natural part of themselves are less likely to avoid speaking situations and more likely to participate fully at school and in daily life.

When peers, teachers, and families also accept stuttering as a normal form of communication difference, children gain confidence and resilience. Therapy that emphasizes acceptance not only reduces struggle but also empowers children to use their voices authentically.

Creating Supportive School Environments

A major part of therapy involves helping teachers, classmates, and caregivers understand stuttering.

Children who stutter may be misunderstood or even bullied, so education and awareness are essential.

Supportive classrooms can be built when educators:

• Allow extra time for responses during discussions and presentations.

• Focus on the content of communication, not fluency.

• Reassure students that everyone communicates differently.

• Model patience and encourage classmates to listen respectfully.

An inclusive classroom helps children who stutter feel seen, valued, and safe to participate.

The Role of Caregivers and Collaboration

Caregivers play an important role in extending therapy beyond the school setting.

They can help by reinforcing positive communication strategies, maintaining open dialogue with the school SLP, and ensuring consistent support between school and home.

Regular communication among the child, parents, teachers, and SLP ensures everyone is working toward the same goal—building confident, capable communicators.

A Team Effort for Lifelong Confidence

Effective stuttering therapy for school-age children is a team effort.

It combines individualized speech strategies, emotional support, and advocacy to help each child reach their full potential.

By promoting understanding in both the classroom and at home, caregivers and educators can make sure that stuttering never stands in the way of a child’s voice.

For more detailed guidance on therapy approaches, visit Stuttering Treatment Options.

For parent resources and caregiver support, see Selecting the Right Therapist for Your Child.

Last Updated: October 2025

Author: National Stuttering Association Marketing & Education Team with contributions from Nicole Kulmaczewski, MS, CCC-SLP, Jacqueline Toscano, SLP.D. CCC-SLP, Caitlin Franchini, MS, CCC-SLP and Megan M. Young, ABD, CCC-SLP