Stuttering is a problem that affects the flow of speech. The person who has it repeats words, interrupts their own speech and finds it difficult to speak fluently. In this article, we’ll discover the types of stutters that exist and how they can be treated.
As the article Evidence-Based Treatment and Stuttering points out, this problem is characterized by a lack of fluency when speaking. This manifests itself in the form of repetition of words, syllables, prolonged pauses, and blockages. But why does this problem appear?
In the aforementioned article, specialists estimate that up to 70% of stuttering cases are related to family history. Therefore, if there’s someone in the family who has already had this speech difficulty, it’s likely that other members will also have it.
Types of stutters
When we think of a person who stutters, we do so without realizing that different types of stutters actually exist. In fact, this may be the first time you hear about this. That’s why today you’ll discover that there are many different types of stutters and that each one has very specific characteristics.
- Developmental stuttering: occurs when children are learning to speak. It usually disappears once a child has mastered all the speech and language skills.
- Neurogenic: caused by an injury that results in severe head trauma and even a stroke. It can be irreversible.
- Clonic: The child is unable to speak fluently because they involuntarily repeat syllables and words.
- Tonic: the child suffers spasms that interrupt their speech. When this type is combined with the previous one (clonic), it’s called a mixed stutter.
However, out of all the types of stutters, the one that usually comes to mind is the mixed type. However, as we’ve just listed, there are other possibilities. Keep reading to find out different options on how to treat these types of stutters!
How is Stuttering disorder treated?
Depending on the type of stutter a child has, it’ll be treated in different ways. The important part is that the sooner treatment is started, the sooner this problem will improve and will allow the child to speak fluently and without interruptions.
Speech therapy
When a child is diagnosed with this speech disorder, they will attend speech therapy, regardless of the type of stutter. In this type of therapy, the child received tools, as well as a job that consists of addressing the following points:
- Learning techniques to reduce stuttering when speaking
- Speaking more slowly
- Working on breathing
This type of therapy usually produced very good results and is a way for the child to decrease his or her anxiety as well. Many times, stuttering worsens because they’re nervous or afraid of making a fool of themselves. In the case of a child suffering from neurogenic stuttering, cognitive-behavioral therapy can also be used.
Electronic devices
There are some devices that can help reduce types of stutters. The most popular devices at the moment are the ones that must be placed in the ear, as if they were a hearing aid. These imitate speech when the child speaks as if someone were speaking in unison.
The reason why this tool is a good option is because, many times, stuttering occurs because there’s a delay in listening to the sounds that are being said. This can be a great way to achieve a noticeable improvement.
The best therapy for any type of stutter is patience
Despite all these treatment options, parents must take an active role in improving their child’s stutter. To do this, it’s essential to be patient and follow professionals’ indications. Avoid scolding, talking fast, or getting angry with your child.
Many people deal with this issue but, with all the options that are available in this day and age, they can improve it until it’s barely noticeable to others. Working at home, praising the child, not stressing them, listening to them and being patient will be crucial attitudes.
Have you ever had these types of stutters? Does someone in your close environment stutter? We hope that this article has helped you better understand what this disorder is like and also how you can help those who suffer from it.
