I had the lead role in the school play in 2nd grade. By the 3rd grade I could barely speak. No injuries. Just happened. I've done fine in life. Graduated top of class. Attended a top 30 university. Founded and sold a tech company. My 18yo son started stuttering about age 5 or 6. Same thing, came on suddenly. Graduated from the #1 high school in the country and is starting at a top 30 university in the fall on a full scholarship in nuclear physics. It'll be a struggle. Every day is. But don't let it define him. That said, I did seek therapy. As a kid it didn't do much, but I found a program at 16 that finally helped. It was WORK. But it helped. My son always rejected therapy, largely because we tried to help him just be comfortable. I never got bullied for it. Really. Nor did he. All that said, find a local FRIENDS group (Friendswhostutter.org) and get plugged in. Great parental support AND support for your kid.