Stuttering is a type of fluency disorder, which causes speech to be interrupted. When someone stutters, they are forced to repeat a word or phrase over and over again. This can be frustrating for the person and can affect their communication. People with stuttering tend to experience embarrassment, anxiety, and decreased involvement in school and social activities. The condition can be severe, and can continue into adulthood.
In some cases, stuttering symptoms can be genetic, or they may be triggered by a specific physical or emotional condition. Other reasons for stuttering include a neurodegenerative disease, brain injury, or a mental illness. There are three major types of stuttering: developmental stuttering, advanced stuttering, and late-onset stuttering.
Developmental stuttering is the most common type of stuttering, and it occurs when a child is developing speech skills. Most children start stuttering between the ages of two and five. It is not usually a serious problem, and most children stop stuttering within a year or so. However, some children may not be aware of their stuttering.
Advanced stuttering is a more severe form of stuttering, and it usually occurs in teens and adults. These symptoms are more frequent and may include fillers, such as “um”, and changes in voice pitch. They can also include tremors and feelings of shame. Symptoms tend to get worse when the person is nervous or under a lot of stress. A doctor may order an MRI to look for blockages in the brain. Surgery can help reduce the severity of neurological stuttering.
Behavioral therapy is a technique used to help people overcome their stuttering and other stuttering-related behaviors. It focuses on improving a person’s self-confidence and reducing the fear and anxiety that is associated with stuttering.
Adult stuttering, or acquired stuttering, can develop suddenly or without any family history of stuttering. It can also be triggered by a tumor, mental illness, or a stroke. If you or your child is concerned about stuttering, make an appointment with a speech-language pathologist. Your doctor will ask you about your child’s health and family history, and perform a variety of tests. He or she will determine if your child has a genetic predisposition to stuttering, or if there is a physical or neurological cause.
Neurogenic stuttering is a speech disorder that happens when the central nervous system sends abnormal signals to the speech muscles. Some people have stuttering because of a stroke, head trauma, or a brain injury. Another type of stuttering is psychogenic stuttering. Typically, it occurs in a person who has experienced emotional trauma.
As an adult, stuttering can be a result of shyness, fear of public speaking, and other emotions related to being shy or embarrassed. In addition, stuttering can be triggered by an individual’s fear of being judged or ridiculed. Many stutterers find that talking about their problems can reduce their embarrassment.
Stuttering is a disorder that affects thinking and reasoning as well as language. It can be a symptom of other conditions, including depression and anxiety.
