Stuttering is a complex communication disorder characterized by involuntary interruptions in speech, says Megan Lowe, an Austin-based speech-language pathologist at Central Texas Speech Pathology Services, Inc. who specializes in dyfluency disorders (the clinical term for stuttering). Someone who stutters may exhibit part- as well as, or in addition to, whole-word repetitions ("I-I-I"), blocks (the word pronounced suddenly stops), prolongations ("m-m-more"), fillers ("um"), and hesitations. Lowe notes that secondary features--gaze aversion, facial grimacing, and arm and leg movements--may also occur.
"Parents always ask me if they or some other family member caused their child's stuttering," says Lowe. "My answer is always 'No.' While the environment plays a role in contributing to stuttering, there is absolutely no evidence to support the fear that any person can truly 'cause' stuttering in themselves or another person." Lowe states that she often receives queries if drugs and anti-stuttering devices (such as the SpeakEasy) are helpful. These can be used as a part of overall treatment. However, Lowe's approach relies heavily on the method best supported by research to reduce stuttering: speech therapy.
Identifying the Dysfluency
Step 1
Pay attention to your child's speech, if you're a parent. ("Are they repeating sounds and parts of words, rather than whole words or phrases?" Lowe asks.) Notice if there's accompanying tension or frustration related to the child's stuttering. If stuttering occurs daily over a course of numerous weeks, Lowe urges parents to contact a speech-language pathologist, particularly if there is a family history of stuttering. This trained professional can ascertain if a formal evaluation is required. "Typically, if stuttering has persisted three to six months or is severe, professional help is recommended," Lowe says.
Step 2
Schedule an evaluation with a speech-language pathologist, if you decide to pursue treatment for a child or yourself. Treatment is available through private speech therapy clinics and hospitals. The school system may also be able to provide services to eligible children. Health insurance plans and Medicaid can help defray the cost of private speech therapy. "As with any treatment, you will want to find a therapist who is knowledgeable and experienced in evaluating and treating stuttering," Lowe advises. "Don't hesitate to ask questions before scheduling the evaluation so you can find the best therapist for you or your child."
Step 3
Be forthcoming with your experience with your speech pathologist during the initial evaluation. You'll be asked questions pertaining to medical history and a description of the stuttering. The evaluating therapist may also take a "speech sample" by video or audiotape, which is later transcribed and analyzed to determine the severity of the dysfluency disorder. A comprehensive assessment of speech and language skills may also be undertaken.
Learn to Stop Stuttering
Step 1
Attend ongoing speech therapy sessions at a frequency and duration recommended by your treating therapist. Lowe states that therapy for children often includes direct and indirect methods to increase fluent speech, decrease tension, increase communication skills, and encourage positive attitudes about interacting with others. "Speech therapy for children is largely play-based and in all cases, family involvement is key," Lowe says.
Lowe notes that treatment options for stuttering adults vary, and specific plans are tailored to the individual's needs. "(Adult) therapy techniques, including fluency shaping and stuttering modification, are used to increase fluency, reduce secondary characteristics, eliminate fears and avoidance and increase overall communication skills," Lowe says.
Step 2
Diligently perform the home program that your speech therapist recommends. Strong parental participation in a child's home program is always encouraged. These programs are designed to help carry over the fluency-enhancing skills acquired in speech therapy into daily life.
Step 3
Be prepared to receive a formal speech re-evaluation during the course of your therapeutic treatment. This formal measure of assessment permits your therapist to see how well you've met your therapy goals. (Also, some insurers require re-assessment reports if therapy is long-term.)
Tips and Warnings
- The Stuttering Foundation states that five percent of children experience stuttering that lasts more than six months, but only one percent will have a long-term stuttering problem. Males are four times more likely to stutter than females.
- There's no miracle pill or overnight cure for stuttering, warns the National Stuttering Foundation. Resolving dysfluency disorders takes time and patience. If you're part of a PPO or HMO, make sure that the speech therapist is in your insurance network, otherwise you may incur out-of-pocket expenses. You may require a referral from a pediatrician or physician for insurance to cover speech therapy.
