What is Stuttering?

What is stuttering?

Stuttering occurs when there is an interruption in the fluency of speech production. 

Are there different types of stutters?

Yes! Stuttering can consist of: 

• Repetitions e.g. “c-c-c-c-can I go now?” (part-word)

“the-the-the dog barked” (whole-word)“I want – I want – I want a drink” (phrases)

• Prolongations e.g.“Sssssssam wants one too” ( i.e. sound drawn out)

• Blocks  e.g “(period of silence, words ‘stuck’) blue truck”

• Non-verbal features e.g. eye blinking, deep irregular breaths, facial grimaces or twitching, limb movements

What causes stuttering? 

The cause of stuttering is unknown. However, research shows that stuttering involves an impairment in the neural processing of speech production.

What does NOT cause stuttering?

Psychological factors such as nervousness or stress or the way parents communicate with their children when they are learning to talk. Psychological factors such as anxiety or stress can make stuttering worse but does not cause stuttering. 

Is it genetic?

It is common for stuttering to run in families, and therefore it is generally accepted that genetic factors are involved in its cause. However, despite the involvement of genetics, inheritance is unknown at the moment.

Can stuttering be cured?

Research highlights that through intervention by a certified speech pathologist, treatment of stuttering can be extremely effective. Clinical trials show that early intervention with the right treatment can result in the treatment of a stutter and that stuttering will not return.

When to seek help? 

If a child’s stutter persists for more than one month or is appearing to worsen it is recommended that you seek advice from a speech pathologist. Stuttering is easier to correct when a child is young but becomes progressively harder as the child gets older and the behaviour becomes well established.

What does the treatment involve?

The best practice treatment for pre-school children who stutter is called the Lidcombe Program. This program is a behaviourally-based intervention that trains parents/caregiver to treat stuttering at home. All Kids Spot therapist are trained in administering the Lidcombe program.  

References

Goodhue, R., Onslow, M., Quine, S., O’Brian, S., & Hearne, A. (2010). The Lidcombe Program of early stuttering intervention: mothers’ experiences. Journal Of Fluency Disorders, 35(1), 70-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jfludis.2010.02.002

Jones, M., Onslow, M., Harrison, E., & Packman, A. (2000). Treating Stuttering in Young Children. Journal Of Speech, Language, And Hearing Research, 43(6), 1440-1450. doi: 10.1044/jslhr.4306.1440

Jones, M., Onslow, M., Packman, A., Williams, S., Ormond, T., Schwarz, I., & Gebski, V. (2005). Randomised controlled trial of the Lidcombe programme of early stuttering intervention. BMJ, 331(7518), 659. doi: 10.1136/bmj.38520.451840.e0