Stuttering Facts vs. Myths

Stuttering is a misunderstood communication disorder in which the flow of speech is broken by repetitions (li-li-like this), prolongations (lllllike this), or abnormal stoppages (no sound) of sounds and syllables. Besides the disruptions, or disfluencies in a person’s speech, people who stutter are perfectly normal. However, false assumptions and negative stereotypes about stuttering still persist. These myths can lead to prejudice and discrimination from the public and can influence how people who stutter view themselves. According to the National Stuttering Association, it’s estimated about 1% of the world’s population stutters, though about 5% of children go through a period of stuttering. Stuttering is more common among males than females.

What Causes Stuttering?

The precise causes of stuttering are still unknown, but many researchers now consider stuttering to involve differences in brain activity that interfere with the production of speech. In some people, the tendency to stutter may be inherited. Although the interference with speech is sometimes triggered by emotional or situational factors, stuttering is basically neurological and physiological – not psychological – in nature.

The most common type of stuttering (sometimes called developmental stuttering) usually develops of its own accord in childhood, most often between ages two and six. While most children who stutter become fluent by the time they reach adulthood, stuttering may continue to be a chronic, persistent problem.

Myth: People Who Stutter Are Less Intelligent or Capable

People who stutter disprove this every day. The stuttering community has its share of scientists, writers, and college professors. People who stutter have achieved success in every profession imaginable.

Joe Biden, Emily Blunt, James Earl Jones, John Stossel, Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe, Carly Simon, Nicole Kidman, John Updike, Darren Sproles, King George VI -- all are famous people who stuttered and went on to have successful lives.

Myth: There are Cures for Stuttering

There are no instant miracle cures for stuttering. Despite scientific breakthroughs in our knowledge about stuttering, there is still no reliable, research-backed cure that works consistently, over time, and for all people who stutter.

While there is no cure for stuttering, therapies can help children and adults manage the condition. Many individuals benefit from various forms of speech therapy and support groups of which the Speech-Language Institute (SLI) offers both. Controlling stuttering is a long-term project that begins with the acceptance of one’s stuttering and which requires considerable patience and understanding.

For children, therapy is focused on improving speech fluency and developing positive attitudes toward communication. Early treatment of childhood stuttering may prevent it from becoming a lifelong problem.

For teens and adults, therapies focus on attempting to minimize stuttering by speaking more slowly, regulating breathing or gradually progressing from single-syllable responses to more complex sentences. Therapies may also help those who stutter cope with the anxiety they feel in certain speaking situations. 

The Speech-Language Institute of Salus University offers comprehensive evaluation services and treatment plans for stuttering. Contact us today to learn more about how we personalize treatment plans for each client’s needs.

For more information on SLI’s stuttering support services or to schedule an appointment, please call 215.780.3150.