0 to 5 Years

Book Your Appointment

Stuttering

Stuttering refers to a disruption in the fluency of speech. It is characterised by one or more of the following:
• Repeating sounds, words or phrases: d-d-d-d-dad / dad-dad-dad / I can – I can – run
• Prolonging sounds (sound is drawn out): ccccccccan I have one
• Blocking (blocks of silence before the sound begins): ——— can I go
• Facial grimaces, blinking, twitching or irregular breathing

Whilst some children spontaneously stop stuttering, most children require therapy. If stuttering is left untreated, the pattern can become established which makes it more difficult to treat.

The table below outlines some common myths and facts about stuttering.

Myth

Fact

Stuttering is an emotional problem caused by anxiety.
Although the cause of stuttering is unknown, it is not an emotional disorder or the result of trauma or anxiety. Many people who stutter have a genetically inherited predisposition to stuttering. In other words, it is a physical condition. Situations that produce anxiety often make speech more difficult for everyone – whether or not they stutter.
Stuttering is caused by copying the stuttered speech of other family members.
Stuttering tends to run in families so it is usual to find more than one member of a family who stutters. However, the link is genetic rather than through imitation of someone else’s speech.
Stuttering is caused by the way parents interact with their children.
Parents are the best people to help their children recover from stuttering. Stuttering does not develop because of poor parenting practices.
People who stutter are nervous and shy.
Some people who stutter are shy – but more often than other people. They are also outgoing, friendly and talkative – the same as anyone else.
Stuttering is a normal part of a young child’s speech development.
Stuttering is a speech disorder. It may start gradually or suddenly. It nearly always starts before 5 years of age.
Children will grow out of stuttering as they grow older.
Some children do stop stuttering without ever needing therapy from a clinic. However, many will continue to stutter and will require professional help. Consultation with a speech pathologist is required.
People who stutter are less intelligent than those who don’t stutter.
There is no connection between the cause of stuttering and intelligence. A person who stutters only has difficulty talking. They can think and act quickly.
Treatment for stuttering is complicated and stuttering cannot be cured.
Is it true that there is no “Magic Pill” that will eliminate stuttering. However, stuttering can be treated very effectively in pre-school children.
Children shouldn’t have therapy for stuttering until they are at school.
The best results in therapy have been achieved with pre-school children.
Therapy for stuttering is boring, slow and too hard for young children.
Treatment for stuttering is fun, simple, effective and best of all – IT WORKS!
Therapy for stuttering can be stopped as soon as a child speaks fluently.
Therapy for stuttering must be withdrawn gradually. Research has shown that the maintenance phase of therapy is almost essential for preventing stuttering relapse.

Some information provided on this page was obtained from the Stuttering Unit, Bankstown Health Service, “Stuttering Fact and Fiction” and “Stuttering in the First Years of Life”.