Pediatric Speech Therapy for Stuttering and Cluttering
in Newport Beach & Torrance, CA
Does your child speak so quickly that their words seem to run together? Do they get “stuck” on words mid-sentence or repeat sounds? These may be signs your child is experiencing stuttering or cluttering.
At Stepping Stones Therapy Inc., our pediatric speech therapists help your child develop smoother, more effective communication while building the confidence to express themselves at home, at school, and in everyday life.
What Are Stuttering and Cluttering?
Stuttering and cluttering are speech fluency disorders that affect the smooth flow of speech. While both can make it harder for children to communicate clearly, they have different causes and speech patterns.
- Stuttering is when your child has trouble getting words out. They may repeat sounds or words, stretch out sounds, pause unexpectedly while speaking, or show physical tension as they try to talk.
- Cluttering is when your child speaks so quickly or unevenly that words run together, sounds or syllables are skipped, or their speech becomes difficult to understand. Their thoughts may seem to move faster than they can express them clearly.
Some children experience one of these conditions, while others may experience both.
Signs Your Child May Be Experiencing Stuttering or Cluttering
Your child may benefit from a speech evaluation if they:
- Repeat sounds, syllables, or whole words
- Stretch out sounds while speaking
- Pause or appear “stuck” when trying to say a word
- Speak in fast bursts that make words difficult to understand
- Leave out sounds or syllables in longer words
- Show tension in their face, lips, or jaw while talking
- Have trouble organizing their thoughts while speaking, causing sentences to sound jumbled
- Avoid speaking or become frustrated when communicating
How Speech Therapy Helps with Stuttering and Cluttering
At Stepping Stones Therapy Inc., our experienced speech-language pathologists will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child’s strengths, challenges, and goals. Therapy is engaging and play-based and may focus on:
- Developing strategies to speak more comfortably and smoothly
- Learning techniques to reduce tension while speaking
- Practicing a comfortable, steady speaking pace
- Improving speech clarity so they are easier to understand
- Building confidence in conversations at home, school, and on the playground
Therapy may also include opportunities for your child to participate in our social skills groups, where they can practice conversation skills, turn-taking and listening with peers in a fun, supportive environment.
Why Choose Stepping Stones Therapy, Inc.
For nearly 20 years, Stepping Stones Therapy Inc. has provided compassionate speech therapy to children throughout Orange County and the South Bay. We partner closely with families throughout the therapy process, providing guidance and practical strategies to support progress beyond the therapy room. Our goal is to help your child build the skills they need to confidently participate in conversations throughout their daily lives.
Reach Out Today to Get Started
If your child is experiencing stuttering or cluttering, call (949) 955-0010 (Newport Beach), (310) 921-8797 (Torrance), email admin@steppingstonestherapy.org, or fill out our online contact form to schedule an evaluation.