BEING OPEN ABOUT STUTTERING: Speech Therapist Explains

Being Open About Stuttering | Speech Therapist Explains

Hi, I’m Rhonda MacKinnon, a private speech-language pathologist and the owner of Communicating Together Therapy & Wellness Associates in Waterloo, Ontario.

In this video, I share why it’s important to talk openly about stuttering with young children—and how our understanding of stuttering has evolved for the better over time.

What Is Stuttering?
Stuttering is a neurodevelopmental difference involving various brain systems used in speech—such as language, motor, and emotional networks. It can present as repeated sounds (“b-b-ball”), stretched words (“ssssnake”), or getting “stuck” during speech. With the right support, many young children learn to speak with greater ease and confidence.

Why Openness Matters
When I first began practicing in 2002, the advice given by professionals was not to talk about stuttering with young children, based on the belief that bringing attention to it would make them self-conscious and might even increase their stuttering. We’ve since learned from adults who stutter and from researchers that silence can create more harm.

Adults who stutter have shared that not being able to talk about their stuttering created shame. These voices have helped transform the field of speech-language pathology into one that is more open, affirming, empowering, and compassionate.

What Happens When We Talk About Stuttering
When people speak about stuttering in an open, kind, and age-appropriate way, children are more likely to:
• Feel accepted and understood
• Build confidence and resilience
• Learn to advocate for themselves and others
• Know they’re not alone

Avoiding the topic can unintentionally send the message that stuttering is “bad” or something to hide. Talking about it helps children feel seen and supported—and builds their resilience.

Providing Support
Here are some practical tips to support children who stutter:
✅ Be Patient in the Right Way
Listen without interrupting or finishing their sentences. Avoid saying “slow down” or “take a deep breath,” even if it’s well-meaning. What helps most is being present and interested in what they’re saying—not how fluently they say it.
✅ Let Them Know It’s Okay to Have Bumpy Words
Use everyday, reassuring language like:
“That was a tricky word, and you got through it.”
“Your words are a little bumpy today, and that’s okay.”
✅ Reassure Them That It’s Not Their Fault
Say things like:
“Some people wear glasses, some people stutter. Everyone’s different and that’s okay.”
✅ Use Stories and Books That Include Characters Who Stutter
Representation helps kids feel seen and confident.
✅ Talk to Family Members and Caregivers
A supportive home and community can protect confidence and promote healthy development. When a child feels safe, their brain is freer to focus on communication, connection, and learning.

Let’s Build a World Where All Communicators Are Valued
Every child deserves to feel heard, accepted, and celebrated. Talking openly about stuttering is one way we can help make that happen.

More Coming
I’ll be sharing more tips and insights about communication development, speech therapy, and supporting children’s growth—so feel free to follow along if that’s something you’re curious about!

Thank You
Thanks for watching and for being part of this conversation.
Special thanks to the adults who stutter who’ve shared their stories and helped guide the speech therapy field toward greater compassion, support, and understanding.

For More Information and Resources
Visit our website and blog:
• Website: https://communicatingtogether.ca/
• Blog: https://communicatingtogether.ca/blog...

Connect with us:
• Instagram: @rhondacommunicatingtogether
• LinkedIn:   / communicating-together-therapy-wellness-as...  
• Bluesky: @communicate-rhonda.bsky.social

⚠️ Disclaimer
This video is for general informational purposes only.
Please consult a licensed speech-language pathologist (or speech therapist, depending on your region) for guidance specific to your child’s needs.