Stuttering: Explanation, Causes & Treatments

Stuttering is a type of speech disorder that may also be referred to as diffluent speech or stammering. When a child has a stutter, their speech is affected by repeating words, sounds, or syllables. They may also experience halting speech production as well as an uneven rate of speech. Roughly 5–10% percent of all children will have a stutter at some point in their lives, and it is seen most commonly between the ages of two and six.

For many children, a stutter will correct itself as they continue to develop into adulthood. However, this is not always the case. Up to 25% of children with a stutter will not grow out of it and it will follow them into adulthood. This is why early intervention to help your child overcome their stutter is important.

What are the causes of stuttering?
There are three types of stutters: developmental, neurogenic, and psychogenic. Developmental stuttering is typically common in kids under five and begins when their speech and language skills develop. Neurogenic stuttering develops in childhood, but it can be a sign of abnormality in the brain signaling related to speech. Psychogenic stuttering is driven by the part of the brain in charge of thinking and reasoning.

Some common causes of stuttering can include:

• Family history
• Family dynamics
• Neurophysiology
• Childhood development

Each type of stuttering can be attributed to a different cause. For example, psychogenic stuttering may develop because of severe emotional trauma in early childhood, whereas neurogenic stuttering may be driven by a brain injury such as a stroke. Developmental stuttering may be driven by hereditary factors, such as having a parent or relative with an abnormality in the brain that causes stuttering.

What are some symptoms associated with stuttering?
The most noticeable symptoms of stuttering – repetition of words, sounds, or syllables – can be clearly heard when your child is talking. However, they may also present with other symptoms along with their speech difficulties. In some cases, a child who stutters may develop certain physical symptoms such as facial tics, lip tremors, or excessive eye blinking because of the stress they feel about their speech.

Children may also be quicker to experience frustration when having a conversation, and may be wary of speaking altogether. In the most severe cases, children may forgo talking completely.

How do you explain stuttering to a child?
According to The Stuttering Foundation, children who stutter are often aware that they are speaking differently; they can tell the difference between their language and the language of others. This may lead to them becoming confused or curious about why they talk the way they do.

When speaking to your child about stuttering, be open, honest, and direct about what they’re experiencing and why it may be happening. Do your best to use language that is informative and free of judgement or criticism so they don’t develop feelings of shame surrounding their speech.

How can I help my child with stuttering?
The best way to help your child with stuttering is by having a direct conversation with them about it, getting to the root cause, and finding the best form of treatment. If your child is aware of what is going on with their speech, they can become more actively involved in seeking the help they need. Identifying the problem and cause is the first step toward accessing the proper treatment your child needs to ensure their stutter doesn’t continue into adulthood.

Can stuttering be cured?
Although there is no known cure for stuttering, many children with the disorder grow up to have perfectly normal speech. This is because there are many viable treatment options available.

What is the best treatment for stuttering?
The best treatment for stuttering will depend on the root cause. The most common form of treatment is speech therapy. During speech therapy, your child will learn how to control their speech patterns through the use of breath support and laryngeal tension.

In some cases, electronic devices may be used to treat your child’s stutter. These devices work by taking a recording of your child’s voice and altering it to make it sound more like normal speech. Your child will then listen to that recording, which helps them to hear the difference and encourages them to speak in the same way. Another type of electronic device can be used to create background noise, which has been shown to decrease stuttering.

In up to 75% of cases, not treatment is required for stuttering; your child will simply grow out of it. The best thing you can do is speak to a speech therapist to have them determine whether your child would benefit from treatment, and practice speech with your child in a way that can help them build up their self-esteem. Self-esteem is important, especially as children develop, so seeking assistance and treatment for stuttering is vital to ensure your child can communicate confidently.

 

Featured image by Jeremiah Lawrence on Unsplash