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Stuttering

​​​​Stuttering is a speech disorder often experienced as dysfluent speech.​​

Stuttering
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Fluency disorders, also known as stuttering, affects the motor production of speech. People who stutter may repeat sounds or words, stretch the beginning sounds of words or get stuck when trying to speak.

If you or a family m​ember has stuttering or fluency problems, speak to your doctor to check if a referral to a Speech Therapist is required.

Stuttering is a speech disorder that results in disruption in the smoothness of talking as a result of difficulties starting to speak, and repeating sounds or words. People who stutter know what they want to say, but have difficulty saying it.

Stuttering may be a developmental disorder starting from childhood. Some children will outgrow this developmental stuttering spontaneously, while others require some form of speech therapy to encourage them to speak smoothly.

Sometimes, stuttering is not treated and becomes a chronic condition that persists into adulthood. When this happens, the motor patterns of speech becomes ingrained and will not resolve on its own.

People may acquire stuttering outside of childhood (e.g. in adulthood) as a result of illnesses, mostly affecting the brain.

The ​exact cause of stuttering is still not fully understood. However, for developmental stuttering, possible causes include:

  • Abnormalities in the brain region responsible for motor speech ​movements
  • Genetics - stuttering tends to run in families
The causes of acquired stuttering include:
  • Stroke
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Other brain disorders
Factors that worsen stuttering symptoms include:
  • When one is excited
  • When one is tired
  • When under time pressure
Risk factors for developing stuttering include:
  • Delayed childhood development
  • Having relatives, specifically males, who stutter
  • Stress
  • Emotional trauma

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  • Difficulties starting a word
  • Stretching the sounds in a word
  • Repeating sounds, syllables or words
  • Addition of extra filler words such as “um”
  • Tension, tightness or movement of the face
  • Anxiety about talking

Speech Therapists are healthcare professionals trained to manage swallowing and communication problems.

They can help In the following ways:
 
  • Assessing and identifying the type and severity of stuttering. 
  • Teaching parents of children who stutter behavioural strategies to reduce stuttering.
  • Teaching adolescents and adults who stutter strategies to control speech so that they can speak fluently.
  • Teach patients self-practice to improve fluency (e.g. speech drills with strategies).
  • Rehabilitation of speech fluency through individual or group therapy sessions.
  • Goal setting with patients and families.

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  • Parents of children who stutter to learn and implement behavioural strategies taught.
  • Adolescents and adults with stuttering to regularly practice speech and fluency strategies and exercises taught.
  • Identify speaking situations that may be stressful and potentially result in more stuttering so as to be prepared to use strategies.
  • Speak gently, especially at the start of words and sentences.
  • Speak at a slower rate by stretching vowel sounds (a, e, I, o, u). 
  • Practice speaking the sentences you would like to say if going into stressful situations (e.g buying food at the hawker centre - practice “I want chicken rice”).
  • If you stutter, stop, breathe and start again gently rather than forcing the words out.
Contributed​ by Speech Therapy, Rehabilitation, Allied Health Services