Speech Problems: Stuttering Causes & Treatments

While there are many different types of speech disorders, stuttering is one of the most commonly known and least understood of them. Stuttering can be traced back through the centuries and yet the causes and, more importantly, the cure for it remains elusive. Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by repetitions of sounds and syllables, a broken flow of speech, prolongation of sounds and syllables or abnormal stoppages in speech. It may also be accompanied by facial and body movements that are unusual. In England, it is referred to as stammering.

The Stuttering Foundation of America has identified 4 causes of stuttering. There is a strong genetic link to stuttering, so a previous history of it may be in the family’s gene pool. Secondly, stuttering is a developmental speech disorder that begins in early childhood and generally goes away without treatment, but for approximately 1% of the population, stuttering continues into adulthood and may affect them their entire lives. Thirdly, another type of stuttering is Neurogenic stuttering where stuttering occurs when there are signal problems between the brain and the nerves or muscles. Lastly, family expectations can also be attributed to stuttering when too much emphasis is placed on a child’s academic achievements when they do not have the aptitude for it, and consequently the pressure can lead them to develop a stutter.

It had been previously theorized that stuttering may be triggered by a mentally or physically traumatic event such as an accident or the sudden loss of a loved one. But this happens in extremely rare cases so thinking has somewhat shifted from this basis.

Developmental stuttering is by far the most common form of stuttering and most children grow out of it fairly early in their development. Approximately 5% of children will stutter at some point in their life, ranging from a few weeks to a few years. It is twice as common in boys than in girls but only about 1% of adults will carry a stutter with them throughout life.

Perhaps the most debilitating aspect of this disorder is the anxiety that surrounds stuttering. Stuttering may cause situational fears, sound and word fears, tension, anxiety and a general feeling of being “out of control” during speech. If a person encounters a stressful situation or conversation, the likelihood of stuttering increases.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Stuttering doesn’t have to be a lifelong stressful condition as there are appropriate treatments and therapies, to deal with this disorder. So whatever method is used it is important that the sufferer knows that help is at hand. The condition does not have to overtake their lives.

If you need to stop stuttering now you can have a look at the techniques listed on my website. There are many stuttering treatments that you can take to help you deal with the situation.

categories: stuttering,stutter,stammering,stammer,speech impediment,speech disorder,speech problems,phonetics,talking,speech development,communication problems,speaking,psychogenic

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