Debunking Stuttering Myths

Stuttering affects one’s fluency of speech, which is the ability to express words articulately. Disfluencies may be marked by the repetition of sounds, syllables or words, prolonged speech sounds and disruptions in the production of speech, called blocking. According to the National Stuttering Association, stuttering is a neurological condition that interferes with the production of speech. 

People who stutter are normal. False assumptions can linger for people who stutter and because of this, it is important to educate ourselves. This can lead to discrimination and prejudice against them and ultimately alter how they view themselves. 

Here are a few myths about stuttering:

Myth: People who stutter are less intelligent.

Fact: People who stutter can achieve success in any area they prefer. There are many scientists, writers and college professors who may stutter.

Myth: People who stutter are shy.

Fact: People who stutter can be outspoken, shyness is not determined by stuttering.

Myth: People stutter because they are nervous.

Fact: Even fluent speakers get nervous and become disfluent when they are nervous.

Myth: People who stutter need to slow down.

Fact: Stuttering is not caused by an increased rate of speech. People who stutter simply need additional time to share their message. 

Myth: Stuttering is a habit that people can break if they want to.

Fact: Because stuttering is a neurological condition, people who stutter continue to do so, even when they work on changing their speech.

While there is no cure for stuttering, therapies can help children and adults manage the condition. 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 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 (SLI) of Salus at Drexel University offers comprehensive evaluation services and treatment plans for stuttering. For more information on SLI’s services or to schedule an appointment, call 215.780.3150.