Stuttering is a speech disorder that disrupts the natural flow of speech, marked by repeating, pausing, or prolonging certain sounds and syllables. Individuals who stutter know what they want to say; the challenge lies in producing the physical sound.
Living with a Stutter
People who stutter may struggle with embarrassment , frustration, or self-esteem at times. Yet speech therapy can help with speech fluency and talk therapy can address those difficult emotions. Many who stutter come to feel resilient and empowered, and some refrain from treating the condition altogether, choosing to embrace their stutter instead.
People often work with a speech therapist to alleviate stuttering. Adults who stutter can speak more slowly, use breathing exercises to relax, and address the accompanying anxiety. Techniques for parents of children who stutter include providing plenty of time to talk in a relaxed environment, not rushing or interrupting, and speaking more slowly themselves.
No medications are currently approved to treat stuttering, but drugs for epilepsy, anxiety, and depression may be helpful, although they are not without side effects. An electronic device, similar to a hearing aid, can also help people who stutter to speak more fluently.
Stuttering can vary widely by context. For example, stuttering is often exacerbated during public speaking but disappears while singing or reading. A difficult cycle underlying the condition is that stuttering can lead to anxiety while speaking, which in turn can lead to more stuttering—especially in pressured situations such as a school presentation or job interview.
Explore More About Stuttering
For a comprehensive understanding of stuttering, read our complete guide: