Healthy Life

We’ve all struggled to pronounce a word once in a while, either as children or as adults. It's a minor inconvenience that passes after a moment. 

For people who struggle with this daily, it can be crippling and make social and professional settings uncomfortable. Inge Burger, a Speech and Language Therapist from Mediclinic Louis Leipoldt, sheds light on this condition.

According to Inge Burger, stuttering (also known as dysfluency) is a speech condition that interrupts the flow and rhythm of a person's words when they speak. This could include word repetitions, prolongations (e.g. mmman) and blocks (e.g. where speech is paused, accompanied by muscle tension) to name but a few. Individuals with a stutter know exactly what they want to say and how the words are pronounced, but they struggle with saying specific letters of the alphabet, words, sounds, and syllables. This can leave the individual anxious or flustered, as they may find themselves overthinking every interaction or rehearsing what they have to say in advance, especially when they are in front of a larger audience or have to engage one-on-one with new people.

It is still unclear what causes stuttering. In the past, it was believed that stuttering was more of a psychological disorder, but now it is considered to be a speech disorder. However, factors such as a family history are known to cause stuttering. Research shows that stuttering is four times more common in males than in females. Possible DNA mutations may contribute to stuttering. Genetics also influence whether a stutter goes away over time or completely disappears.

There are four types of stuttering:

  • Development stuttering: also known as childhood-onset fluency disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that starts during childhood, from as early as 2 years old, when the brain is still developing.
  • Persistent stuttering: when stuttering begins in childhood and continues into adulthood
  • Acquired and Neurogenic stuttering: a stutter developed after an illness or injury, such as a stroke, in which the brain has difficulty coordinating the different brain regions involved in speaking, resulting in problems in producing clear, fluent speech.
  • Psychogenic stuttering: This condition is uncommon and occurs after a person has experienced severe emotional trauma.

As someone who comes into contact with someone who has a stutter, one of the best ways to help someone who has a stutter is through patience and understanding. People with this particular speech disorder thrive in interactions with calm people who also take their time when speaking. It signals that this is the environment where they can take their time when speaking. People who have grown up with a stutter tend to practise everything they have to say and are hyper-aware of how others react when they speak. Cutting them off when they talk because you feel they are taking too long is an example of what you shouldn’t do, whether it’s a child or an adult.

Burger explains that treatment options for stuttering vary and depend on the type of stuttering a person has. Speech therapists use Fluency Shaping and Stutter Modification Therapy, which is recommended for children. This therapy heavily centres the parents and what they can do to support their children. Creating a relaxing atmosphere that allows the child to speak at their own pace, listening attentively, and talking openly about their stutter are some techniques parents are advised to use at home.

“Working with a speech therapist, who can provide targeted speech therapy, is a valuable and effective approach to treating stuttering. When left unaddressed, stuttering may contribute to lower self-esteem, difficulties in social interactions, and even limit/impede career or educational opportunities. Early intervention can play a key role in improving communication and boosting confidence,” Burger says

If you, your child, or a friend struggles with stuttering, the main thing to remember is that everyone has something they are insecure about. While there’s no instant cure, speech therapy can make a significant difference in managing and improving fluency. Many people find that with support and practice, they can communicate more confidently and come to accept stuttering as just one part of who they are, not something that defines them.

To get a diagnosis or treatment for a stutter, contact your nearest Mediclinic today.