Why Do People Stutter and What Can Be Done About It?

May 21, 2020

Stuttering: more than 3 million Americans of all ages experience it.

Though many people suffer from a stutter, you may be wondering why do I stutter so much?

For those looking for more information, check out this guide to better understand why do people stutter and what can be done about it. Read on to learn more.

Symptoms of a Stutter

When considering a stammer vs stutter, they’re actually the same thing. Also, know as childhood-onset fluency disorder, stuttering includes frequent and notable issues with normal flow of speech and fluency.

Sometimes, it is a chronic condition and may last into adulthood. Some stuttering problems include:

• Challenging to start a sentence, phrase or word

• Prolonging a sound or word

• Repetition of a sound or word

• Pauses within a word

These symptoms may be accompanied by rapid eye blinks, tremors, clenched fists, and tics.

Many people wonder, does stress cause stuttering? A stutter may worsen when the individual is stressed, pressured, or excited. Stuttering can be aggravated when speaking in front of a group of people.

Many people who stutter can speak without stuttering problems when they sing or speak in unison with another person or talk to themselves. Others find resolve through stuttering treatment programs.

Causes and Types of Stuttering

It’s important to know what causes stuttering. Stuttering is most likely caused by a combination of several factors. Many healthcare professionals believe the cause involves issues in speech motor control and genetics. Stuttering often runs in families.

Individuals who stutter sometimes have problems with timing, motor, and sensory coordination. Some stutters are caused by brain disorders such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury.

There are two termed types of stuttering: developmental stuttering and Neurogenic Stuttering.

Developmental stuttering happens in young children still learning language skills. Most medical healthcare professional believe the stutter occurs when the child’s speech abilities are not able to satisfy the child’s verbal requirements.

Neurogenic stuttering occurs when the brain has a hard time coordinating the different regions of the brain that allow a person to speak.

When to See a Medical Healthcare Professional

Many children experience a natural stutter between the ages of two and five while learning how to speak. This is normal. If the stutter continues later into childhood and adulthood, it’s important to see a medical healthcare professional.

Left untreated, a stutter may develop into additional issues such as:

• Lack of communication skills

• Anxiety

• Loss of social skills

• Low self-esteem

Stuttering must be diagnosed by a health professional, like a speech-language pathologist, to find a proper treatment plan.

Treatment for Stutters

There are various treatments for people who stutter including:

• Therapy

• Electronic devices

• Self-help groups

• Drug therapy

Connect with others to find support. Consider finding a speech-language pathologist to minimize stuttering through language exercises.