stuttering Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by frequent repetition, prolongation, or blocking of sounds, syllables, or words during speech for a period exceeding three months. This symptom is common in childhood and may also occur in adults, but is generally milder. Stuttering may be accompanied by speech or language developmental disorders, in which case they should be diagnosed concurrently. The exact mechanism causing stuttering is not yet clear. Stuttering is usually classified into three types: developmental, neurogenic, and psychogenic.

Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by frequent repetition, prolongation, or blockage of sounds, syllables, or words during speech for a period exceeding three months. This condition is commonly observed in childhood, and while it can occur in adults, it is generally milder. Stuttering may coexist with speech or language developmental disorders, in which case a concurrent diagnosis should be made.

The exact mechanisms underlying stuttering are not fully understood. Stuttering is typically classified into three types: developmental, neurogenic, and psychogenic.

Developmental Stuttering

Developmental stuttering occurs in young children who are still acquiring speech and language skills. This is the most common form of stuttering. Some scientists and clinicians believe that stuttering arises when a child's speech and language abilities fail to meet their verbal demands. Developmental stuttering arises from the complex interplay of various factors.

Abnormalities in speech motor control: Some evidence suggests that there may be abnormalities in speech motor control, such as timing, sensation, and motor coordination.

Stuttering often occurs within families, indicating that it may be caused by genetic abnormalities.

Neurogenic Stuttering

Neurogenic stuttering may occur following a stroke, head trauma, or other types of brain injury. When neurogenic stuttering is present, the brain struggles to coordinate the different brain areas involved in speech production, leading to speech issues.

Psychogenic Stuttering

Emotional distress can also disrupt fluency of speech. Speaking fluency may be compromised when under stress or pressure. Speech disturbances following emotional trauma (psychogenic stuttering) are rare and different from developmental stuttering.

Psychological support: Patients with stuttering may experience fear, anxiety, and other negative emotions due to the impact on daily communication. Therefore, it is important to approach stuttering with understanding, creating a relaxed psychological environment. Encouraging patience and praising fluent speech can help build confidence.

Family Environment: Provide a comfortable and relaxed family environment for the patient. Encourage open discussions about the status and progress of stuttering while providing companionship and support for the patient's speech training.

Lifestyle: Promote a healthy lifestyle through regular meals, exercise, and adequate sleep to promote physical and mental well-being, reducing the occurrence of negative emotions and helping to adjust the patient's mood.

Habits for Living with Stuttering

Maintain a positive emotional state: Feelings of inferiority and fear can exacerbate stuttering. It is advisable for patients to maintain a positive psychological state and face stuttering calmly, which can help improve symptoms.

Speaking techniques: Use diaphragmatic breathing, speak gently and slowly, and engage in rhythm, intonation, expression, and gesture language performance training.

Regular routines: The occurrence and exacerbation of stuttering are closely related to impulsive personalities. Therefore, it is recommended for patients to maintain regular living habits to reduce impulsive emotional outbursts and promote physical and mental health.

Regular exercise: Engage in exercises beneficial for vocalization, breathing, and lung capacity, such as swimming, to assist in speech training.

Avoiding tense and oppressive living environments or being around groups of people who stutter can help prevent children from developing stuttering.

Once stuttering is noticed, it is important not to draw attention to it and to treat it normally to avoid causing psychological pressure. For some children, stuttering may gradually disappear.

Children can undergo speech training for everyday correction of stuttering. If stuttering symptoms do not improve and there is a reduction in speech, increased stuttering, and fear of interacting with others, medical attention should be sought promptly.