What
is stuttering?
Stuttering is characterized by disruptions in the forward flow of speech such as repetitions of parts of words (“mi-mi-mi-miss”), prolongations of sounds (“sssssseven”) and/or complete blockages of sound (at times no sound is emitted or only a strained/strangled sound emerges). Speech dysfluencies may be accompanied by physical tension or struggle. Associated behaviours may include blinking, grimacing, avoiding eye-contact, avoiding talking and foot tapping.
What causes stuttering?
Although research into the cause of stuttering is on-going, no definitive answers have yet been established. What is known is that the causes, like speech itself, are complex. Research suggests that a complicated interplay of a combination of factors including genetics (approximately 60% of those who stutter have a family member who also stutters), child development, neurophysiology and family dynamics contribute to the development of stuttering.
Is there a cure for stuttering?
There are no instant or ‘magical’ cures for stuttering. Speech Therapy does not produce overnight results. A therapist with a special interest in stuttering can help children, teenagers, young adults and even older adults make significant progress towards fluency. It is never too late for intervention!
However, early intervention, for a child who is dysfluent and whom a parent is concerned about, is recommended. There are a variety of successful approaches for treating both children and adults who stutter but the most appropriate approach will depend on the nature of the person’s stutter. Every person who stutters is unique and thus therapy needs to be tailored to his/her specific needs. It is recommended that if one is concerned about their speech or their child’s dysfluency to seek professional advice as soon as possible.
Attendance at a Self Help Group for people who stutter can also be beneficial and is recommended. Speakeasy is such a support group for people who stutter, their family members and friends (www.speakeasy.org.za)
Interesting facts about stuttering
Suggestions when speaking to People Who Stutter
Stuttering is characterized by disruptions in the forward flow of speech such as repetitions of parts of words (“mi-mi-mi-miss”), prolongations of sounds (“sssssseven”) and/or complete blockages of sound (at times no sound is emitted or only a strained/strangled sound emerges). Speech dysfluencies may be accompanied by physical tension or struggle. Associated behaviours may include blinking, grimacing, avoiding eye-contact, avoiding talking and foot tapping.
What causes stuttering?
Although research into the cause of stuttering is on-going, no definitive answers have yet been established. What is known is that the causes, like speech itself, are complex. Research suggests that a complicated interplay of a combination of factors including genetics (approximately 60% of those who stutter have a family member who also stutters), child development, neurophysiology and family dynamics contribute to the development of stuttering.
Is there a cure for stuttering?
There are no instant or ‘magical’ cures for stuttering. Speech Therapy does not produce overnight results. A therapist with a special interest in stuttering can help children, teenagers, young adults and even older adults make significant progress towards fluency. It is never too late for intervention!
However, early intervention, for a child who is dysfluent and whom a parent is concerned about, is recommended. There are a variety of successful approaches for treating both children and adults who stutter but the most appropriate approach will depend on the nature of the person’s stutter. Every person who stutters is unique and thus therapy needs to be tailored to his/her specific needs. It is recommended that if one is concerned about their speech or their child’s dysfluency to seek professional advice as soon as possible.
Attendance at a Self Help Group for people who stutter can also be beneficial and is recommended. Speakeasy is such a support group for people who stutter, their family members and friends (www.speakeasy.org.za)
Interesting facts about stuttering
- Stuttering is universal - 1% of
the population stutters spanning all personality types, social classes and
ethnic groups
- Famous people who stutter
include Moses, Winston Churchill, Isaac Newton, Carly Simon, James Earls Jones,
Brue Willis and King George VI
- Boys are four times more likely
than girls to stutter
- Stuttering is genetic
- Almost all people who stutter
experience periods of relative or total fluency, thus stuttering is cyclical
- People who stutter are normally
fluent when speaking in unison, whispering and singing
- Stuttering is cyclical and highly variable effecting individuals in different ways with varying degrees of severity
- Developmental stuttering is not caused by anxiety but it is exacerbated by anxiety
Suggestions when speaking to People Who Stutter
- One should listen patiently and
not hurry or interrupt the Person Who Stutters
- Never finish words or answer for
the Person Who Stutters
- Don’t look pained, pitying or
impatient
- Do not withdraw eye contact or glance
nervously
- Maintain an unhurried, calm and interested manner