Stuttering support for children & teens
Many people who stutter report real anxiety and avoidance around speaking situations — steering clear of certain words, situations or conversations altogether because of how speaking feels. Stuttering therapy tends to be most effective when it starts early, and since it can be difficult to predict whether a young child will grow out of a stutter on their own, getting support sooner rather than later gives a child the best chance of speaking with ease.
How I support children, at every age
Stuttering therapy looks different depending on a child's age, and I tailor my approach to what works best at each stage.
Toddlers & preschoolers (under 6)
I'm experienced in delivering the Lidcombe Program, a well-researched, parent-delivered program specifically designed for young children who stutter or stammer at this age
Early primary
For stuttering in children (sometimes called stammers) hasn't resolved, or is noticed a little later, I build a plan around their specific needs, since every child's stutter looks and feels different
Later primary & high school
Stuttering therapy shifts toward managing the anxiety and avoidance that can build up around speaking situations over time, alongside strategies for speaking with more confidence
Does my child need stuttering speech pathology?
Stuttering in children can look different from child to child, but a few things worth noticing include:
Repeating sounds, words or phrases more than expected for their age
Getting "stuck" on a word or sound, sometimes with visible tension​
Avoiding certain words, or swapping them out for easier ones
Reluctance to speak up, answer questions, or join conversations
Signs of frustration, embarrassment or anxiety around speaking situations
None of these on their own confirm a stutter needs treatment. But because it's hard to predict which children will outgrow it and which might need therapy, having it assessed by a stuttering speech pathology professional gives you clarity either way.
What does a stuttering speech pathology session look like?
Assessment
I assess the type and severity of a child's stutter, alongside its impact on them day to day — including any anxiety or avoidance around speaking. Here's what that involves:
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Looking at the specific pattern of how a child stutters, or stammers, not just how often it happens
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Consider how a stutter is affecting confidence, social situations and willingness to speak up
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Developing a clear, targeted plan built around your child specifically
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Writing reports to support funding applications or referrals where needed
Therapy
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Under 6 — the Lidcombe Program, an evidence-based, parent-delivered stuttering therapy approach specifically for this age group
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Older children and teens — stuttering therapy shifts toward managing anxiety, building confidence in speaking situations, and practical strategies for everyday communication
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I offer 30-minute, 45-minute and one-hour therapy sessions, providing stuttering speech therapy Sydney families can access right here in Bondi Junction, tailored to your child's needs.
About Catharine Munro
CPSP, BA (Hons I), MES, Dip SphComm, MSLP​
I’m a certified practising speech pathologist (CPSP), trained at Macquarie University, and registered with Speech Pathology Australia. With a background in both clinical practice and journalism, I bring a lifelong love of language to helping children communicate effectively.
Serving Bondi Junction & the Eastern Suburbs
My clinic is based in Bondi Junction, with families visiting from Bondi, Woollahra, Double Bay, Paddington, Randwick, Coogee, Waverley, and across the Eastern Suburbs for speech pathology and literacy support. This puts me in easy reach of teenagers travelling by public transport.
Ready to get started?
Feel free to get in touch — whether you're ready to book a consultation or just want to talk through what you've been noticing, I'm happy to help you figure out the right next step.