International Stuttering Awareness Day 2025
Stay up to date with the latest speech pathology tips and trends
International Stuttering Awareness Day is observed every year on October 22, and this year’s theme, “A Diverse Stuttering Community – Meeting Challenges With Strengths”, celebrates the unique experiences and resilience of people who stutter.
At North Shore Speech Therapy, we’re proud to stand with children and families, raising awareness and championing every voice.
What is Stuttering?
Stuttering is a communication difference that affects the flow of speech. It can involve repetitions (li-li-like this), prolongations (llllike this), or blocks (when no sound comes out at all). Stuttering often begins in early childhood, typically between ages 2 and 5, and affects about 1% of the world’s population.
It’s important to remember that stuttering is not caused by anxiety or nervousness, and it’s not a reflection of intelligence or ability. Many children who stutter are bright, creative, and eager to communicate. For some, stuttering may resolve on its own, but for others, it can persist and impact confidence, participation, and social connection.
Why Awareness of Stuttering Matters
Stuttering is often misunderstood, and children who stutter may face teasing, exclusion, or pressure to “just slow down.” This year’s theme, “A Diverse Stuttering Community – Meeting Challenges With Strengths”, encourages us to recognise the strengths, creativity, and courage of people who stutter.
Awareness helps us:
- Challenge myths and stereotypesabout stuttering
- Promote empathy and acceptancein schools and communities
- Empower childrento express themselves confidently
- Support familiesin seeking evidence-based help
At North Shore Speech Therapy, we provide evidence-based stuttering treatment for children and adolescents, focusing on providing strategies that support parents and chidren to build and maintain fluency. Our approach is family-centred and tailored to each child’s needs, using proven programs like the Oakville and Camperdown Programs.
Concerned Your Child May Be Stuttering?
Visit our web page to learn more about stuttering, what to look for, and how we can help: Effective Stuttering Treatment for Children and Teens
International Stuttering Awareness Day is about more than raising awareness—it’s about celebrating every voice and recognising the strengths that exist, even when communication is challenging. By supporting children who stutter and their families, we can help build a world where everyone is able to express themselves proudly and confidently.
Let’s tackle the challenges of stuttering head on — together.
About Us
North Shore Speech Therapy has four state of the art speech therapy clinics across Sydney’s North Shore, in Chatswood, Hornsby and Neutral Bay. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more great content and to explore our services.
