1. Make an Appointment With a Professional
While you may not need a professional to tell you that you are stuttering, you may need to visit with a speech pathologist or other qualified health care professional to determine the cause of your speech disorder. Stuttering can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, developmental issues or even a neurological disorder. In fact, a speech pathologist may need to rule out spasmodic dysphonia, another speech disorder that may resemble stuttering. Once the causes of your stuttering are determined, you can begin proper and effective treatment.
2. Attend Speech Therapy
One of the most effective ways to treat stuttering is by going to voice therapy. In many cases, stuttering may be caused by either stress or improperly learned speech patterns. A speech therapist may use behavior modification to eliminate these patterns and help you speak in an unhurried and relaxed manner.
If stress is a contributing factor to your stuttering, your therapist may teach you various relaxation techniques to control your speech patterns. If your stuttering is caused by irregularities in muscle movements in your jaw or mouth, you may have to learn exercises that will help you to improve your speech.
3. Create a Relaxed Environment
One of the most effective ways to treat stuttering is to create an environment where you do not feel stress or pressure. If you are able to speak in an unhurried manner at your own pace, you may be able to reduce your stuttering. Many individuals stutter as a result of trying to communicate at the same pace as others, which may result in a disaster if the other people are fast talkers. Remember to allow yourself plenty of time to gather your thoughts and express yourself at your own leisure.
4. Investigate Newer Methods to Treat Stuttering
In some cases, stuttering cannot be treated through traditional speech therapy or relaxation techniques, especially if there is an underlying neurological cause for these speech patterns. Doctors and research scientists are currently exploring new treatment protocols that use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) to identify unusual brain activity in those who stutter. Genetic studies are also being performed to isolate the genes that may cause stuttering. If you have not been able to successfully treat your stuttering through traditional methods, speak with your physician or speech pathologist about some of the newer technologies that may help you to achieve normal speech patterns.
