Sometimes, speaking fluently is like trying to balance a ball on your head while simultaneously thinking about something else. It is always a balance and a dance on what words to say, how to say them, and how they make you feel. Stuttering is a condition which the cause is still unknown, and affects about 1% of the population (~3 million people). Despite these facts, there are ways to manage the stuttering and speak fluently. Learning these techniques takes practice to perfect.
What is Stuttering?
Stuttering is typically described as a disruption in the fluency lasting longer than 6 months of one's speech characterized by:
Secondary behaviors often accompany stuttering, They can include nodding, blinking, or avoiding certain words. These secondary behaviors are things that the person does to try and prevent stuttering from occurring.
Stuttering can look different from person to person and also change from day to day. It is influenced by anxiety and emotions. Stuttering can be detrimental to a person's confidence and self-esteem. In many cases, it can also lead to anxiety, fear of speaking, and embarrassment.
- Repetition of sounds (c-c-coffee), parts of words (tr-tr-tr-train), or whole words (go-go-go away)
- Prolongation of sounds (ddddad)
- Tension blocks that make it physically difficult to release and get the sound out (I have to [tense pause] go to work)
Secondary behaviors often accompany stuttering, They can include nodding, blinking, or avoiding certain words. These secondary behaviors are things that the person does to try and prevent stuttering from occurring.
Stuttering can look different from person to person and also change from day to day. It is influenced by anxiety and emotions. Stuttering can be detrimental to a person's confidence and self-esteem. In many cases, it can also lead to anxiety, fear of speaking, and embarrassment.
What causes stuttering?
The exact causes of stuttering are unknown. What is known about stuttering is that:
- It is neurologically based
- A person is more likely to stutter if someone in their family stutters
- It is more common in boys than in girls
- Children who stutter past the age of 4 are more likely to stutter for the rest of their lives
- Stuttering is often triggered by emotional and anxiety inducing situations
- Often, children will go through a period of stuttering
What Does Therapy For Stuttering Look Like?
Therapy is based on the degree of stuttering, the person's age, and the person's goals.
4 Years Old and Under
Treatment usually involves direct strategies, that help to change the way they are speaking. Therapy is fun and engaging. We play games and therapy is a relaxing, enjoyable session. We also teach caregivers, teachers, and family members strategies they can use to make speaking easier for the child.
5 and Up
Treatment for adults and school-aged children is geared towards managing stuttering. This includes teaching them strategies that will help them feel less anxious when speaking, make them more confident in speaking situations (such as making a phone call or ordering food at a restaurant). We often will teach a strategy and then role play a social situation where you can use the strategy.
4 Years Old and Under
Treatment usually involves direct strategies, that help to change the way they are speaking. Therapy is fun and engaging. We play games and therapy is a relaxing, enjoyable session. We also teach caregivers, teachers, and family members strategies they can use to make speaking easier for the child.
5 and Up
Treatment for adults and school-aged children is geared towards managing stuttering. This includes teaching them strategies that will help them feel less anxious when speaking, make them more confident in speaking situations (such as making a phone call or ordering food at a restaurant). We often will teach a strategy and then role play a social situation where you can use the strategy.
Can Stuttering Therapy Be Performed Using Teletherapy?
Yes! We have a lot of success treating stuttering via teletherapy, especially with adults! Stuttering is something that doesn't require any tactile prompts or hands on learning. It is the therapist using their expertise to shape the speech of the patient, which can be done via video as well as in person. Technology has made therapy more interactive and engaging!