Learn about stuttering, its causes, types, and how to help children or friends who stutter. Discover practical tips to improve speech fluency and reduce anxiety.
What is Stuttering?
Stuttering is a speech disorder that interrupts the natural flow of speech, often marked by repeating, pausing, or prolonging certain sounds or syllables. People who stutter know what they want to say, but producing the sound is difficult. Globally, about 70 million people stutter, roughly 1% of the population. Most cases begin in childhood, and around 75% of children eventually outgrow the condition.
Types of Stuttering
Developmental Stuttering
Begins in childhood when speech skills are still developing.
Genetic factors play a role: children with a first-degree relative who stutters are three times more likely to develop stuttering.
Neurogenic Stuttering
Occurs after brain injuries, such as stroke or head trauma.
Can affect adults and children alike.
How Stuttering can vary
Stuttering may worsen in stressful situations, such as public speaking, but often disappears while singing or reading.
A cycle may develop: stuttering → anxiety → more stuttering.
Physical behaviors like eye blinks, lip tremors, or head jerks may accompany stuttering.
It can affect relationships, academics, and careers if not addressed.
How to support a child or friend who Stutters
Make speaking enjoyable
Don’t require perfect speech. Let talking be fun.
Use family meals or relaxed moments for conversation.
Avoid pressure and criticism
Don’t correct, tell them to slow down, or say “take a deep breath.”
Avoid asking them to read aloud or speak in stressful settings.
Create a calm environment
Speak slowly and clearly yourself.
Maintain eye contact and patience.
Encourage independence
Let them finish their thoughts without interruption.
Pause before responding to their questions or comments.
Practice modeling fluent speech
Show a slow, calm rate of speech to reduce pressure and improve fluency.
When to seek professional help
If stuttering affects daily communication, academic performance, or social interactions, consider consulting a speech-language pathologist or psychologist specializing in speech disorders.
Early intervention can reduce anxiety, improve fluency, and prevent negative social or academic consequences.
For more information visit https://stuttering-delferro.com/
Our partner, Dell Ferro institute, offers once a year a 5 day course in Danang (Vietnam). For more details about date, fees and other information please contact us. Going through life without stuttering!!!!!!!
