Flowen
What is stammering?
This page explains what stammering is, drawing on information from the NHS, STAMMA (the British Stammering Association) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). It is general information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose anyone.
What stammering sounds like
Stammering is a difference in how speech flows. The NHS describes three core features: repeating sounds or syllables, for example "mu-mu-mu-mummy"; stretching sounds, for example "mmmmmmummy"; and blocks, where a word gets stuck or does not come out at all. Stammering varies from person to person and from situation to situation (NHS). STAMMA and RCSLT note that some people also experience physical tension when speaking.
Stammer or stutter?
They are the same thing. "Stammering" is the word most people use in the UK, Ireland and India; "stuttering" is more common in North America and Australia (STAMMA).
Stammering is not always audible
STAMMA explains that some people change words or use other ways to hide their stammer. You might not hear it, even though the person is working hard not to stammer. RCSLT also describes feelings and experiences that listeners cannot see, and notes that some people are comfortable with their speech and do not need speech and language therapy.
Getting support
The NHS says adults whose stammer has a significant impact on their social or work life may want to ask a GP for a referral to a speech and language therapist. For concerns about a child's speech, its advice is to talk to a GP or health visitor. STAMMA also offers a helpline and webchat for support. These services are separate from Flowen.
Where Flowen fits
Flowen is a browser-based speech practice tool for adults, with guided exercises and live acoustic feedback shown as visual cues. Automated feedback is an estimate, not a clinical measurement. Flowen does not diagnose, treat or cure stammering, and it does not replace assessment or care from a qualified Speech and Language Therapist.
NHS
Stammering overview (nhs.uk, page last reviewed 2023)
NHS overviewSTAMMA
What Is Stammering (Stuttering)? (stamma.org)
STAMMA definitionRCSLT
Stammering overview (rcslt.org, updated October 2025)
RCSLT public overview