Frequently Asked Questions about Speech Therapy and my Practice

Stuttering and stammering both refer to a fluency disorder characterized by involuntary repetitions, prolongations, or blocks. Stuttering is more commonly used in American English, while stammering is more commonly used in British English. Stuttering and stammering both refer to the same thing and are best treated by a speech-language pathologist.

Stuttering, also known as stammering, is a speech disorder that affects individuals of all ages. While those who stutter often know what they want to say, they experience difficulty in verbal expression.

Stemming from motoric issues, stuttering can evolve into a communication disorder, leading to physical tension and avoidance of certain words, people, and situations.

Developmental stuttering, particularly in children, highlights the importance of early diagnosis and interventions to improve communication skills and emotional well-being.

Someone who stutters may avoid ordering food, articulating their preferences, and giving presentations at work. The pattern and severity of stuttering can vary from person to person and may even fluctuate from day to day. It is important to note that these fluctuations are a normal part of stuttering.

Understanding family history, including familial stuttering, is crucial in evaluations, as it can provide insights into genetic or environmental factors influencing the individual's communication challenges.

• Repetition of sounds, syllables, or words in a sentence (also called a repetition)

• Having a hard time getting a sound out (also called block)

• Drawing a sound out (also called a prolongation)

• Avoiding certain words or situations

• Physical movements such as eye blinking, head nodding/turning, pen tapping

These signs and symptoms can significantly impact an individual’s ability to communicate effectively, and may require professional intervention to manage.

​Stuttering is a neurologically-based disorder which impairs an individual’s ability to time and sequence the underlying movements necessary for speech. Stuttering is genetic. In fact, research has identified some of the genes that play a role in stuttering. Stuttering severity can vary from day to day.

The exact causes of stuttering remain unclear; however, ongoing research and advancements in the field continue to shed light on this complex disorder and offer hope for effective treatment and management.

There are three different types of stuttering:

1. Developmental Stuttering, also known as Childhood-Onset Fluency Disorder. This is the most common type, typically emerging in early childhood.

2. Neurogenic Stuttering. This results from damage or injury to the brain (such as traumatic brain injury).

3. Psychogenic Stuttering (also known as functional stuttering). This is uncommon and results from extreme trauma or stress.

It can be challenging to know when you may need to seek speech therapy for stuttering. Here are some indicators you may want to reach out to a speech therapist.

• Exhibiting tension while speaking: tension in your voice or speech muscles while trying to communicate. This tension may manifest as facial grimaces, clenched jaw, or tightness in the throat.

• Avoidance behaviors: If you find yourself avoiding certain social or professional situations because they require speaking, such as making phone calls, participating in meetings, or ordering food at a restaurant, it suggests that your stuttering is affecting your daily life and interactions.

• Choosing words carefully to avoid stuttering: Selecting words cautiously to avoid words you may stutter on is a common behavior exhibited by those who stutter. If you find yourself frequently avoiding words, substituting words, or altering sentences to avoid stuttering, it may be time to seek speech therapy.

• Feeling unhappy with the way you sound: if you feel dissatisfied with the way you sound, it can impact your self-confidence and self-esteem. Persistent negative feelings about the way you sound may indicate a need for speech therapy to improve fluency and address any underlying emotional issues related to stuttering.

• Feeling that stuttering holds you back: If you believe stuttering is preventing you from pursuing certain professional or social opportunities, it is a sign that stuttering is impacting your quality of life.