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Stuttering, What You Need to Know - symptoms, causes, and treatment
Do you stutter or know someone who stutters and you’re wondering what you can do to help? What do you need to know?
What is Stuttering?
Stuttering can be defined as a communication disorder characterized by speech disruptions or 'disfluencies''. People who stutter experience physical tension in their speech muscles which cause them to struggle as they speak. Stuttering usually causes anxiety and/or embarrassment. People who stutter also tend to fear speaking which in turn makes it extremely difficult for them to communicate effectively.
Stuttering can vary in regards to degree i.e. mild to severe stuttering. Stuttering usually begins during childhood and in most cases lasts throughout life if the problem is not treated early. Stuttering isn’t necessarily a problem in itself. However, it impedes communication, making life difficult. If you are unable to communicate effectively with others, the quality of life you live will be affected.
It is, however, worth noting that people who stutter are normal in every other respect.
Signs and Symptoms of Stuttering
Stuttering is depicted as abnormal repetitions of words and/or parts of words. For instance, a person may say; H-H-H- How are you doing? i.e. they have a problem transitioning from the ''H'' in ''How'' to other words on the first attempt.
Stuttering also encompasses prolongations of speech sounds. For instance, a person may say ''SSS orry for that'' i.e. make the ''s'' sound for a prolonged time.
People who stutter also tend to be ''out of breath'' or tense when talking. They also tend to have stopped or blocked speech i.e. the mouth may be open and position to say a certain sound but very little to no sound is forthcoming. Stutterers also require more effort than normal to complete words.
Stuttering Prevalence and Statistics
Stuttering affects approximately 1% of the U.S. population. The same prevalence is reflected in most places globally. It is also worth noting that males are 3 to 4 times more likely to stutter than females.
Developmental stuttering i.e. stuttering which develops in childhood is the most common type of stuttering. It usually occurs in children aged 2 to 8 years.
Also, approximately 4-5% of people stutter sometime during childhood. The majority, however, become fluent before adulthood.
Causes of Stuttering
Although there is still ongoing research on precise causes of stuttering, stuttering is generally considered to be a neurological condition by many researchers.
Stuttering has also been linked to genetics. Furthermore, stuttering has also been proven to have emotional and situational triggers. The disorder is basically physiological and neurological.
Diagnosis
Although many people think it is easy to identify individuals who stutter by simply listening to their speech, stuttering affects more than an individual’s observable speech. There are a number of stuttered speech characteristics that typical listeners can’t detect. As a result, a diagnosis should be done by a certified SLP (Speech-language pathologist).
How Do Slps Diagnose Stuttering?
SLPs conduct thorough evaluations aimed at identifying the types and number of speech disfluencies produced by a stutter in various situations. SLPs also assess how stutterers react to/cope with disfluencies. SLPs may also gather information on factors which might make stuttering worse.
Many other assessments are made by SLPs i.e. on language skills, speech rate, etc. depending on a person’s history and age. Assessments are also conducted on how bad the stuttering affects a person’s ability to perform as well as participate in typical daily activities. SLPs also assess and make predictions whether the problem will continue when dealing with young children. Evaluations involve a series of tests, interviews, and observations.
Although there are many risk factors that are considered by SLPs during diagnosis, family history, prolonged stuttering (that lasts more than six months), the presence of any other speech/language disorders and fears/concerns about stuttering by a person and their family are the most common factors considered.
Treatment: Is Stuttering Curable?
If you're wondering if there is a cure for stuttering, here’s what you need to know. Although there is no single simple cure for stuttering that works for everyone who stutters, SLPs can teach people who stutter how to speak and communicate better. SLPs are also capable of helping stutterers regain their confidence and feel better about their speaking ability.
It's also worth noting that early intervention increases the chance of a full recovery. Children who receive treatment early can overcome their speaking challenges fully. The importance of taking your child or loved one to a speech-language pathologist as early as possible can't, therefore, be overlooked. Treatment can, however, benefit everyone regardless of age. For older individuals, however, treatment is centred on management as opposed to getting rid of stuttering completely.
Treatment Focus
Stuttering treatments focus on teaching people specific behaviours or skills that improve overall communication. For instance, many SLPs teach stutterers how to control the rate/speed at which someone speaks and breathes as they speak. By learning such controls, it is possible to reduce and eventually eliminate stuttering.
How Can You Help Someone Who Stutters?
You should practice patience when dealing with a person who stutters. It is also important to be sensitive to the feelings of a person who stutters. For instance, you should not rush them to speak or put them in uncomfortable positions. It is also important to seek help on their behalf. For instance, you can set up an appointment with a qualified SLP and take part in the entire process to learn as much as you can about the problem and how you can be supportive. Speech therapy which is administered by SLPs is the most effective treatment for stuttering.
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Voice disorders also known as vocal disorders are all kinds of medical conditions that result in abnormal pitch, loudness or poor quality of the voice (sound produced by the larynx). Voice disorders affect speech production.
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