Laura Stouffer, MA CCC-SLP
Stuttering is a disorder of speech fluency. When we talk about fluency we are referring to the ease with which speech is made or the lack of obvious interruptions in speech. People often use the term “stutter” to refer to their own speech when they misspeak (for example, “I was so nervous I stuttered at the beginning of the speech”). This being said, stuttering is much more than that. People who stutter experience more than the typical interruptions in speech. People who stutter also experience stuttering in all communication situations, not just when they are nervous.
What does stuttering sound like?
| Stuttering may sound like sound repetitions (p-p-p-popcorn), sound prolongations (mmmmmmmy name is..), or blocks (…{inaudible, often strained pause}…I want ice cream.) People who stutter may also show secondary characteristics like eye blinking, hand tapping, tongue clicking, etc. |
|
Why do these interruptions of speech happen to people who stutter?
Researchers of stuttering do not know what exactly causes stuttering. Our leading theory is that stuttering is caused by a breakdown in coordination between the brain, voice, lungs, and articulators (lips, tongue, etc.). We also know that family history of stuttering increases chance of being a person who stutters and boys are more likely to stutter than girls. Most people who stutter begin stuttering before age 6. The most important thing to keep in mind is that stuttering is not caused by medication, vaccinations, or anxiety. Many people who stutter may begin to feel it is their fault and parents and therapists should reassure them that it is not their fault.
What does stuttering therapy look like at FYZICAL?
Many kids who stutter may experience unassisted recovery, meaning they will stop stuttering on their own. However, many people who stutter do so into adulthood and will experience ups and downs throughout their life as it relates to stuttering.
For adolescent clients, we follow a model pioneered by leading researchers and therapists in this field (See: Lang Stuttering Institute, Stuttering Therapy Resources) to manage stuttering. We identify client needs and personal goals, address potential social-emotional impacts of stuttering, and build effective communication skills.
Our primary goals in stuttering therapy are:
- Improve overall communication effectiveness. You can be an amazing communicator regardless of whether or not you stutter.
- Improve sense of positive communication attitude. Some people who stutter will avoid talking and if that includes you, we foster a space to talk about that discomfort and work on building a more positive attitude. This also includes learning how to explain what stuttering is to others and use that knowledge to self-advocate for your needs.
- Desensitization towards stuttering. We will discuss the stress stuttering can cause and work on decreasing negative emotions when stutters happen.
- Learn and apply stuttering modification strategies. These are the tools you use to help you reduce moments of stuttering. They are helpful tools in that you can use them when you want to use them.
What do clients say about stuttering therapy?
When asked what he was most surprised about after learning more about stuttering, one client at FYZICAL shared that he was surprised, “Stuttering isn’t my fault.” After several therapy sessions, the same client was able to explain what stuttering is and what it feels like for him. He also noticed that he had made progress with his personal goal of reading out loud with less instances of stuttering. He feels more confident reading out loud during class now.