STUTTERING – GET THE FACTS!

Stuttering is best described as a breakdown in the flow of speech

The exact cause of stuttering is not clear but it often runs in families.

Usually stuttering starts in early childhood. Most children outgrow stuttering but some children are at risk of ongoing issues.

There are certain risk factors for stuttering. They include:

• gender – more males stutter than females
• age of onset – later the onset, greater the risk
•  co-existing speech language difficulties
• duration or persistence of the problem
• nature and severity of the stuttering

Tips for talking to people who stutter include:

• using a slower, more relaxed rate of speech
• listening to what the person says not how they say it
• maintaining natural eye contact
• not rushing the person, waiting and giving them time to finish

Emotional problems do not cause stuttering but they can compound issues later on.

Recently developed programs for children who stutter include more direct treatment.

• The Lidcombe Program has been found to be particularly effective in treating early stuttering.

It is important to consult a Speech–Language Pathologist to find out if you or your child needs therapy and which treatment program is most appropriate.

No person is too old to access stuttering therapy.

Get your questions answered and get help – remember, treatment is always more effective when provided early.