What is Stuttering?

Stuttering is a communication disorder characterized by disruptions in the flow of speech. These disruptions can be repetitions (e.g. ba-ba-ball), prolongations (e.g. ssssssister) or stoppages of airflow, commonly called blocks, (e.g. ---hello). The disruptions in speech may be accompanied by secondary behaviours such as eye rolling, lip tremor, head jerking, hand swinging, and physical tension. People who stutter can show just one form of disruption, however most people who stutter have a combination of disruptions and secondary behaviours. Each person who stutters has his/her own stuttering behaviours.

People who stutter often experience emotions of anxiety, fear and embarrassment towards the speaking situation, the person being spoken to, and speaking itself. In combination with the physical symptoms of stuttering, it can be difficult for a person who stutters to say what he/she wants to say and to communicate effectively with others.

Stuttering ranges in severity from mild where a person will stutter from time to time, to severe where a person may struggle on every word. Stuttering can severely impair a person’s oral communication and can be a disability in one’s life. For many people who stutter, the degree of stuttering will vary from situation to situation and from day to day.
How many people stutter?

About one percent of the adult population and five percent of children stutter. About 75% of children who stutter outgrow it, many after receiving intervention as a preschooler. Stuttering is more common in males with approximately 4 males stuttering for every female who stutters.

What Causes Stuttering?

The cause of stuttering is not known at this time. Research is currently investigating genetic factors, as well as neurophysiological, biochemical and neuropsychological aspects of stuttering. It may be that the cause is a combination of different factors – possibly a unique combination for each person. We do know that stuttering is not an emotional problem or a nervous disorder.
What should I do when talking with a person who stutter?

- Maintain normal eye contact and try not to look embarrassed or alarmed. Just wait patiently and naturally until the person who stutters has finished speaking.
- Refrain from remarks like “slow down,” “take a breath,” or “relax”. Such advice is not helpful and can be felt to be demeaning.
- Try not to finish sentences or fill in words, even though you may be tempted to do so. This is not helpful for the person who stutters and can make he/she feel more anxious.
- Be aware that for many people who stutter it is difficult to control their speech on the telephone. Saying “hello” can be especially challenging. Please be patient in this situation.
- Listen to what the person who stutters is saying and not how he/she is saying it. Be a good listener.
- Remember that stuttering varies from situation to situation. Do not be surprised if a person who stutters is stuttering more in a situation than in others.
- If you are not sure how to respond when talking with a person who stutters, ask the speaker how he/she would like you to act or ask a speech-language pathologist for advice.

Is there help for people who stutter?

Speech therapy from a specialized speech-language pathologist can bring long-term improvements in stuttering. However, at this time, there is no cure.

Stuttering typically starts between the ages of 2 ½ and 5. Treatment is most effective for helping children overcome their speaking difficulties. If you think your child is stuttering, have an evaluation completed by a speech-language pathologist who is experienced working with children who stutter.

Older children, teens, and adults can also benefit from stuttering therapy. Treatment is designed to help them manage or control their stuttering as well as gain confidence as speakers. Maintaining fluent speech is a life-long process.

The CSA encourages you to contact the Canadian Association for Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologists (CASLPA) www.caslpa.ca or your provincial organization of speech-language pathologists (link to provincial organization websites) for information about speech-language pathologists in your area.