Stuttering
What is stuttering ?
Stuttering is a disorder in which speech is interrupted by repeated movements and fixed postures of the speech mechanism. It may include tension and negative feeling about talking. The severity of stuttering will vary from person to person and day to day. Excitement or stress can cause some people to stutter more. In older children and adults, stuttering severity may depend on the situation you are communicating in, eg: with a family member versus with a larger group of people.
What can a stutter sound like ?
Here are some symptoms, but not everyone who stutters will have them:
Repetition of one letter at the beginning of a word:
“I c-c-c-c-c-can go get it”
Repetition of 1 syllable words in sentences :
“When can we-we-we-we-we go to the sea-sea-sea-sea-sea”
Prolongation of a sound:
“sssssssssee when I went to the park”
Blocking/stopping :
“Can I have a (pause that looks that they stuck and can’t get next word out yet) banana”
What about teenagers & adults who stutter ?
The speech and language therapist and the adult will discuss the stutter. They will find out how it affects their everyday life and consider how they can practice ways of managing their stutter. An SLT can also support a person to achieve better communication and coping strategies when in speaking situations that make them feel anxious and nervous. An SLT could also help you find a support group where you can hear other people’s experience who stutter.