Stuttering Therapy in Perth

What is Stuttering?

Stuttering (also called stammering) is a speech difference characterised by disruptions in the flow of speech. These may include:

• Repetitions (e.g., “w-w-want”)

• Prolongations (e.g., “sssssee”)

• Blocks (a pause where sounds feel “stuck”)

Stuttering can affect children and adults. It can also impact confidence, participation, and quality of life—especially when speaking situations feel pressured.

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, our speech pathologists provide individualised stuttering therapy to support smoother, easier communication and stronger speaking confidence.

Types of Stuttering

Developmental Stuttering

The most common form, usually starting in early childhood as speech and language develop.

Acquired Stuttering (Less Common)

Stuttering that begins later in life, sometimes following neurological events (e.g., stroke or traumatic brain injury) or other health factors. Assessment helps clarify the profile and appropriate supports.

What Causes Stuttering?

Stuttering is complex and can involve multiple contributing factors. Current understanding suggests it is influenced by a combination of:

• Genetic factors (often runs in families)

• Differences in speech–motor and language processing

• Developmental factors (childhood onset is common)

Important: Stress and anxiety do not cause developmental stuttering, but they can increase stuttering severity for some people in certain situations.

Common Signs of Stuttering

Stuttering may involve:

• Repeating sounds, syllables, or words

• Prolonging sounds

• Blocks or “getting stuck” on a word

• Visible effort or tension when speaking

• Avoiding words or speaking situations

• Frustration, embarrassment, or worry about speaking

Stuttering can vary day-to-day and across situations (e.g., higher in meetings or when rushed).

How Speech Pathology Can Help

Stuttering therapy is tailored to the person’s age, goals, and communication needs. Therapy may include:

Fluency-Shaping Strategies

Techniques that support smoother speech patterns (e.g., rate control, gentle onsets, and structured practice for carryover).

Stuttering Modification Strategies

Helping people reduce struggle and tension during moments of stuttering and develop more confident, flexible communication.

Communication Confidence and Participation

• Reducing avoidance

• Building self-advocacy (e.g., “I sometimes stutter—give me a moment”)

• Practising real-life speaking situations (school, work, phone calls)

Parent-Focused Support (For Children)

For younger children, therapy often includes parent coaching and strategies to support communication at home and reduce pressure around talking.

Emotional Wellbeing Support (When Needed)

Stuttering can affect confidence and participation. Where helpful, we can recommend referral pathways to appropriate mental health supports (e.g., psychology) alongside speech pathology therapy.

Benefits of Early Support for Children

Early assessment and support can:

• Improve communication confidence and participation

• Reduce frustration and negative speaking experiences

• Support the child and family with practical strategies

• Reduce the risk of stuttering becoming more persistent or impactful over time
  
  

Stuttering Therapy for Teens and Adults

Therapy for teens and adults often targets:

• Speaking confidence in high-demand settings (school, workplace, social situations)

• Reducing effort and struggle

• Building effective strategies for presentations, phone calls, and meetings

• Managing avoidance and communication anxiety, when present
  
  

Speech Therapy Services in Perth for Children & Adults

Speech Therapy (also called Speech Pathology) focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication and swallowing difficulties. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, our speech pathologists support children, teens, and adults to improve speech clarity, language skills, social communication, voice and fluency and swallowing safety.

How Can Speech Therapy Help You?

Speech therapy can help with a wide range of concerns, including:

• Speech delays in children: Supporting speech sound development, clarity, and age-appropriate communication.

• Speech sound disorders: Including articulation (sound production) and phonological (sound patterns) difficulties.

•  Language disorders: Helping with both receptive language (understanding) and expressive language (using words and sentences).

• Swallowing and feeding difficulties (dysphagia): Supporting people who have difficulty swallowing safely due to conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurological conditions.

• Social communication differences: Supporting conversational skills, turn-taking, perspective-taking, and understanding non-verbal communication.

•  Stuttering and fluency disorders: Helping clients manage fluency, reduce effort/tension, and build confidence in communication.

Speech Therapy Services We Provide

Paediatric Speech Therapy

• Paediatric speech therapy supports children with speech, language, communication, and early literacy needs using evidence-based and child-friendly approaches. Sessions may be play-based (especially for younger children), while still being structured and goal-directed.

• Common areas we support include:

  1. Speech sound development (clarity and intelligibility)

  2. Language delays and developmental language disorder

  3. Social communication support

  4. AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) where appropriate

  5. Early literacy foundations (e.g., phonological awareness)

Adult Speech Therapy

• Adult speech therapy supports adults with communication and swallowing needs related to neurological conditions, injury, medical events, or age-related changes. Therapy is practical, functional, and designed around everyday participation (home, work, community).

• Common areas we support include:

  1. Communication changes after stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or neurological illness

  2. Dysarthria and motor speech changes

  3. Cognitive-communication difficulties (attention, memory, organisation impacting communication)

  4. Voice therapy where indicated

  5. Dysphagia support and mealtime strategies

NDIS Speech Therapy Services

• NDIS speech therapy is available for self-managed and plan-managed participants. Therapy may focus on functional communication goals, speech clarity, social interaction and participation, and AAC support where required. We collaborate with participants, families, support coordinators, schools, and relevant providers to support practical, meaningful outcomes.

Speech Therapy for Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)

• Dysphagia (swallowing) support helps when swallowing difficulties affect hydration, nutrition, safety and confidence with eating and drinking. Our speech pathologists can complete clinical assessments (as appropriate), provide strategies for safer swallowing, recommend targeted exercises when indicated, and support shared-care referral pathways with GPs/ENT/medical teams when needed.

• Why Choose Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health for Speech Therapy?

• Experienced Speech Pathologists: Skilled in paediatric and adult communication and swallowing support.

• NDIS Provider (self- and plan-managed): Therapy is aligned to participant goals and everyday function.

• Family-Centred Approach: We involve parents, carers, and supports where appropriate so strategies carry over into real life.

• Collaborative, Multidisciplinary Care: We work alongside our broader allied health team when integrated support is beneficial.

Sensory Room and Kids Therapy Gym

• Our sensory room and kids therapy gym can support therapy goals through a motivating, functional environment—particularly helpful for children who benefit from movement-based learning and sensory regulation strategies. These spaces may be used when clinically relevant to support engagement, attention, participation, and goal progress.

Locations

• We offer speech pathology services in Perth, including our Malaga and Noranda clinics.

Australian Resources for Stuttering

For additional information and resources on stuttering, visit these trusted Australian websites:

• The Australian Stuttering Research Centre – Provides resources and research on stuttering in Australia.
  www.stutteringresearch.org.au

• Speech Pathology Australia – Information about stuttering and how speech pathologists can help.
  www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

• The McGuire Program Australia – Offers intensive stuttering programs across Australia.
  www.mcguireprogramme.com

• Better Health Channel – Detailed information about stuttering causes, symptoms, and treatments.
  www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

• Stuttering Association for the Young (SAY) – Australian chapter supporting children who stutter.
  www.say.org.au

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.