Stuttering (Fluency Disorders)
Assisting Children Who Experience Interruptions in Speech Flow
Some children speak smoothly at times — but suddenly get stuck, repeat sounds, or pause mid-sentence. These breaks in fluency can lead to embarrassment, teasing, or a growing reluctance to speak.
At KidsHeart Medical Center, our Pediatric Speech Therapy Services support children who stutter by helping them speak with greater ease and confidence. We focus not just on speech patterns, but also on how children feel about communicating.
Families across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain trust our compassionate approach to fluency support.
What Is Stuttering?
Stuttering is a speech fluency disorder where a child’s speech is interrupted by:
- Repeating sounds or syllables (e.g., “ba-ba-banana”)
- Prolonging sounds (e.g., “ssssun”)
- Blocks or pauses where no sound comes out
- Facial tension or physical struggle to get words out
Stuttering often starts between ages 2 and 6, and while it may come and go, some children need support to avoid frustration or social withdrawal.
When Should You Seek Support?
Not all early stuttering needs therapy — but some patterns suggest intervention could help.
Consider speech therapy if your child:
- Has been stuttering for more than 6 months
- Shows visible tension or effort while speaking
- Starts avoiding certain words or speaking situations
- Gets upset, embarrassed, or self-conscious during speech
- Has a family history of stuttering
- Is showing increased frequency or severity over time
The earlier we address fluency, the more confident your child can feel while communicating.
What to Expect in Fluency Therapy
Fluency therapy is gentle, encouraging, and non-pressuring.
Therapy sessions may include:
- Speech-slowing techniques and pacing tools
- Breathing strategies and easy-onset speech methods
- Confidence-building through supported conversation
- Desensitization to feared words or situations
- Emotional support for frustration and communication fears
- Parent coaching to model calm, non-corrective responses
Our goal is to help your child feel fluent, not flawless — and free to express themselves.
Why Choose KidsHeart?
- Specialists trained in childhood stuttering and fluency support
- Therapy that balances technique with emotional wellbeing
- Age-appropriate tools to reduce pressure and increase confidence
- Family-centered care that continues at home
- Available support in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain
We help children who stutter feel heard — and feel brave enough to keep speaking.
Fluent Speech Isn’t the Goal Confident Communication Is
We help children move past the fear of speaking — and find ease in every sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. Anxiety can make it worse, but stuttering is a neurological fluency issue — not a personality trait.
Some do — but if it persists or worsens, therapy can provide tools and relief.
Not directly. We’ll show you how to respond in ways that reduce pressure and support confidence.
Some children achieve fluent speech; others manage it well. Our goal is ease, comfort, and effective communication.
Sometimes. We may include peer practice when appropriate, but early therapy is usually one-on-one.