Stuttering: causes, how to eliminate, etc.

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Definition

What is stuttering?

Stuttering is a speech disorder in which syllables or words are repeated or pronounced in a prolonged manner which interferes with the normal flow of speech. This speech disorder can be accompanied by repetitive behaviors, such as rapid blinking and trembling lips.

This condition can make communication with others difficult, which often affects a person's quality of life. People with this speech disorder know what to say, but have a hard time saying it. For example, they can repeat or say a word, syllable or sentence slowly, or stop in the middle of a conversation and not sound a certain syllable.

Stuttering is common in children as a normal part of learning to speak. Young children may stutter when speech and language skills are not developed enough to follow what is being said.

Most children who have this condition will get better on their own over time. However, sometimes, this condition can become a chronic condition that continues into adulthood. This disorder can have an impact on self-confidence and interactions with other people.

How common is this condition?

This condition can occur in patients of any age. This condition can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of stuttering?

Common symptoms of this condition are:

• Trouble starting a word or sentence
• Slow down a word or sound of words
• Repetition of a sound, syllable, or word
• Pause for a specific syllable or pause in a word
• Add words like "um" if you have trouble continuing with words
• Excessive pressure, tension, or movement of the upper face
• Anxiety about speech
• Limitations in communicating effectively

Speech disorders can be accompanied by:

• Quick blinking
• Lip or jaw tremor
• Facial spasms
• Hands clenched

This condition can worsen when you feel happy, tired or stressed, or when you feel insecure, rushed, and depressed. Situations such as speaking in public or on the phone can be difficult for a person who stutters.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Speech disorder lasting more than 6 months
• Along with other speech or language disorders
• Become more frequent or continue into adulthood
• Occurs with muscle tightening or difficulty speaking
• Affect the ability to communicate at school, work, or social interactions
• Causes anxiety or emotional problems, such as fear or avoiding situations that require talking
• Starting as an adult

Cause

What causes stuttering?

Researchers are still learning about the causes of ongoing stuttering. A combination of factors can be associated with this condition. Possible causes of a stutter that won't go away include:

• Abnormalities in speech motor control: some evidence indicates abnormalities in speech motor control, such as timing, sensory and motor coordination.
• Genetics: this speech disorder tends to run in families. It appears that stuttering can result from inherited (genetic) abnormalities in the language centers of the brain.
• Medical conditions: this condition can sometimes be the result of a stroke, trauma, or other brain injury.
• Mental health problems: in rare cases, emotional trauma can cause stuttering.

Risk Factors

What increases my risk of developing this condition?

Many factors put you at risk for this condition, namely:

• Having relatives who stutter: stuttering tends to run in families
• Delayed development: Children who have developmental delays or other speech disorders tend to stutter
• Men: men are more prone to this speech disorder than women
• Stress: stress in the family, high parental expectations, or other stress can make this condition worse

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is this condition diagnosed?

A speech and language pathologist can usually diagnose this speech disorder by asking the child to read aloud. They can also record the child talking or see the child's speech patterns. Your child may also need a physical exam and other tests to rule out health problems affecting speech development, such as hearing loss.

If you are an adult who starts to stutter, see a doctor right away. Stuttering that starts in adulthood is most often related to injury, health problems, or severe emotional trauma. To make a diagnosis, the doctor will perform a physical examination, ask some questions, watch, and listen to the way you speak.

How is stuttering handled?

Treatment for this condition often includes counseling for parents and talk therapy for children. The main goal of treatment is to help the child learn to speak as fluently as possible.

Because each individual's conditions and needs are different, the methods that work for one person may not be as effective as for another. Some of the treatments (out of order) include:

• Controlled fluency: this type of speech therapy teaches you to slow down your speech and notice when she is stuttering. You will speak very slowly and carefully when you start this therapy, but over time you will become accustomed to a more natural speech pattern.
• Electronic devices: several electronic devices are available. Delayed auditory feedback requires you to slow down your speech, otherwise the sound on the machine will be interrupted. Another method is to follow your speech so that it sounds like you are speaking in unison with someone else. Several small electronic devices are used during daily activities.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy: this type of psychological counseling can help you identify and change the ways you think that can make your stuttering worse. This therapy can also help deal with stress, anxiety, or self-esteem problems associated with this condition.

Home Remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat stuttering?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with stuttering:

• Listen attentively to your child: maintain natural eye contact when he speaks.
• Wait for your child to say the words he wants to say: don't interrupt him to finish the sentence.
• Set aside time for you to talk to the child without distraction: mealtimes are opportunities for conversation with the child.
• Speak slowly and not rush: if you speak in this way, your child will follow you, which can reduce stuttering.
• Take turns speaking: encourage each family member to be a good listener and take turns when speaking.
• Create a calm atmosphere: create a calm atmosphere at home so that your child feels comfortable talking freely.
• Don't focus on the child's stuttering: try not to draw attention to the stuttering in everyday interactions. Do not expose your child to situations that are rushed, pressured, or require your child to speak in public.
• Give praise more than criticism: it is better to praise the child for speaking fluently than to draw attention to a stuttering state. If you want to improve your child's speech, do so in a gentle and positive way.
• Accept your child completely: don't react negatively, criticize, or punish your child for stuttering. This can add to a feeling of insecurity. Support can make a big difference.

Consult a doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.