Father with questions about stuttering

Father with questions about stuttering Hey all, I'm the parent of a 5.5-year-old boy. He caught some sort of virus on June 5th, and a relative first noticed his stutter on June 9th. My wife and I noticed it around this time as well. He did not stutter at all before he was sick. I took him to the pediatrician yesterday and they said that the illness was likely a coincidence and probably has nothing to do with his stuttering. Fine. They referred us to a speech/language pathologist, but I have not been able to get an appointment; they say they're all booked with all the issues children have developed during COVID. I'm going to keep trying. My son is aware of his stuttering and describes it as his "brain reloading." He says speaking is hard for him. When he is fluent, his speech is slower. Obviously, as a parent, I'm concerned. He starts kindergarten in the fall and I don't want his stuttering to have a negative impact on his school experience. I also don't know how to help him. He is an otherwise happy and healthy boy, but he struggles to say almost every word of his sentences. There seems to be more repetition than blocking. As a parent, what should I know? Is it unusual for a child to develop a stutter at five and a half? How can I help him practice his fluency without making him feel like there's something wrong with him? As a parent, what should I be aware of? I'm sorry to bother you guys with these questions, but as all the SLPs are booked and he hasn't started school yet, I don't know where else to turn. Any help/insight you could provide would be greatly appreciated.