Stuttering is a very common speech disorder that is mostly noticed in children at a very small age. However, there is no barrier to whom it may affect and at what age. It’s common in all ages and gender, but the type and reason can be different. While it’s not fatal and is only considered a lifestyle hindrance, it may lower the self-esteem of the person significantly. That’s why the problem must get addressed in the very beginning with stuttering speech therapy
In medical terms, Stuttering is when the person has difficulty saying certain or random syllables or words. Sometimes it also causes repetition and interruption in speaking. A person suffering from stuttering finds it difficult to communicate with people and so is hesitant about establishing new relationships. All over, this condition brings diverse impacts on a person’s social, emotional, and academic well-being.
However, the speech therapy recommended for stuttering differs from person to person and that’s why it’s important to recognize the types and causes of it. Here are the most common types of stuttering:
-
Developmental Stuttering
The most common type of stuttering is Developmental stuttering and it’s often seen among the age group of 2 to 6. This is when children start speaking and find it difficult to say certain words or make extended sounds. It’s easier to miss the symptoms at this age because parents hope they will learn eventually. However, they should contact a speech therapist at the first sign of the problem.
-
Neurogenic Stuttering
The second type of stuttering is called neurogenic stuttering and can happen because of several neurological conditions. Patients with heart stroke, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, or any such disease find it difficult to coordinate with the speech muscles.
-
Psychogenic Stuttering
Another form of stuttering arises from psychological factors like anxiety, stress, and trauma. In this case, the patient stutters more in a certain situation and other times comfortably speaks without stuttering. The case can differ from person to person and only a speech therapist can guide the best.
-
Cluttering
Cluttering is the most common and easy-to-cure form of stuttering. This kind of stuttering happens when the person speaks hastily and uses unnecessary words, syllables, or phrases.
Regardless of the type of stuttering, speech therapy is the only preferred treatment option for people who stutter. Speech therapists work with individuals to improve communication skills, reduce stuttering and increase their confidence in speaking.
Some of the most common techniques used in stuttering speech therapy are fluency shaping and stuttering modification. If you or someone you know is suffering from this problem of stuttering, attain professional help from a speech therapist who specializes in stuttering.