Stuttering is a debilitating communicative disorder. It is a disorder that affects the fluency or flow of speech. It disrupts our verbal expressions with specific, involuntary and characteristic behaviours.
The initial consonant repetition is the most common characteristic. This may be associated with phonic/sound blocking at the commencement of an utterance. This blocking behaviour impedes the natural and spontaneous onset of airflow and voice. There can also be inappropriate extensions of sounds within a word or utterance. The individual that stutters often reports specific sounds in the initial position of word structure can cause more difficulties and anxiety than others. Extension of sound within a word is a less common feature.
There may be secondary physical signs associated with the verbal dysfluency. These may be involuntary oromotor movements of the mouth, eyes and head. There is often associated anxiety that increases with learned, difficult verbal exchanges and situations, i.e.: meeting new people or people of the opposite sex, interviews, being put on the spot, reporting to people that are seen as in a superior management role at work or use of the telephone. Incoming calls may be more difficult than outgoing calls.
The following are some risk factors that have been shown to be common amongst individuals that stutter.
- For every 1 girl there are 4-5 boys that stutter
- Evidence shows that stuttering can be hereditary. If a close family member has been diagnosed it can increase the chances by 25%.
- Developmental stuttering is common with children, eventually emerging from the dysfluent pattern as their language and linguistic skills develop.
- It affects around 1% of the population.
Many people when communicating with a person that stutters spontaneously fill in words, interrupt, attempt to finish the utterance or look away in embarrassment. This unfortunately worsens the problem and diminishes the communicative exchange.
Parents may also tell their child to, “Think before they speak”, “ Slow down” or “Take a big breath”.
This only leads to increased anxiety, embarrassment, communication shutdown or the establishment of poor and unnatural speech and breathing behaviours.
When in an interaction with a stutterer you must be as calm and supportive as possible. Be an active and positive listener, no matter how long it takes the individual to express themselves. Stay engaged with them, focusing on the topic of their message and provide them with supportive nonverbal positive feedback, as in facial expressions of interest and affirmation.
Stuttering can be treated through various methods of speech therapy and behaviour therapy.
It can be a persistent and pervasive disorder that can be modified and abated. Speech Pathologists are trained in the treatment of Stuttering and as always, early intervention assists greatly. Paediatric management of stuttering is family focused as the parents are often the Speech Pathologist at home. We are however, very aware of the day to day stresses and busy schedules and work hours that most families have to endure.
If you or a loved one is attempting to deal with a fluency or stuttering disorder, please contact an experienced Speech Pathologist for assistance.
Mr Craig Gorman.
Speech Pathologist.