DS1 is nearly 3 1/2 but has been stuttering for close on a year now. Otherwise he speaks very well, he was talking in 8 word sentences by 2. I was hoping he'd "grow out of" this but hasn't.

At our initial assessment they said that it is best to treat it before they become self-conscious of it, as that can cause other problems. Also it's best if parents don't stress about it. Just gently tell him to take a breath and try again. They also suggest that you slow your own speech down when talking to him, and pause before responding in a conversation, to show that there is no rush to speak and it's ok to take your time.

They follow a program called Lidcombe (I think that's the spelling) which you can google. They start by introducing him to the concept of "smooth" and "bumpy" speech and encourage him to try "smooth talking" all the time. We play lots of games with him where he has to say phrases repetitively (such as "I've got a blue block, I've got a red block" etc) and praise him for smooth talking. Later I will be taught to interrupt him when he stutters.

Just a note for you private health insurance. As you are learning what to do to help him, if they put both you and your DS down on the receipt as clients, you get more back from private health as you get your allowance as well as his.