Stuttering / Stammering

Stuttering (sometimes known as stammering) is a disorder in the normal flow and rhythm of speech. Individuals who stutter know what they want to say, but are unable to say the words momentarily because their speech is involuntarily repeated, prolonged, or blocked. Individuals who stutter may also present with "unsual" body or facial movements, in their effort to speak (e.g. twitching or eye blinking).

Half of the children who stutter will have begun to do so by the time they are 5 years old. At any one time, 1% of the population has a stuttering disorder. More males than females stutter, with a 3:1 ratio in children and a 4:1 ratio in adults.

Characteristics

There are a number of characteristics associated with stuttering. These include:

• avoiding eye contact
• avoiding speaking in certain situations
• avoiding speaking to certain people
• appearing shy or quiet
• not participating in group conversations
• not expressing him or herself well

Each person who stutters reacts differently. Some individuals have described feeling:

• inferior
• anxious
• tense
• angry
• frustrated
• embarrassed

Cause

The exact cause of stuttering is unknown, although a number of theories exist. There does appear to be a genetic component. If a family member has a stutter, it increases the likelihood that their child will stutter.

Role of the Speech-Language Therapist

Speech-Language Therapists have a significant role in the assessment and treatment of stuttering.

Stuttering may be prevented from progressing if identified and treated early enough. The earlier the stutter is identified and treatment started, the better the outcome. Assessment at an early age is highly recommended.

There is no cure for adults who stutter. However, a variety of treatment strategies exist that assist with controlling stuttering. These can be implemented with the aid of a Speech-Language Therapist.

What you can do

When communicating with an individual with a stutter:

• do not look away when they stutter
• do not speak for the person
• be patient
• understand and recognise that the individual's intellectual or emotional functioning is no different from those who do not stutter

If your child stutters:

• maintain normal family interactions (e.g. do not slow down your rate of speech)
• give your child plenty of time to say what they want to say
• avoid telling them off for stuttering
• avoid "correcting" their speech

More Information

For more information about stuttering, or to contact a Speech-Language Therapist, contact:

• your doctor
• your local hospital
• your local Ministry of Education Special Education office

http://www.moe.govt.nz/

• the Yellow Pages
• Massey University Speech-Language Therapy Clinic: (09) 414 0800 ext 41290 / 41277
• the University of Auckland Speech-Language Therapy Clinics: (09) 303 5979
• the University of Canterbury Speech and Hearing Clinic: (03) 364 2408
• the NZSTA Private Practice Register

For support and more general information, contact:

• the New Zealand Speak Easy Association

http://www.speakeasynz.org.nz/

• the Stuttering Treatment And Research Trust (START)

http://www.stuttering.co.nz/