Stuttering

Stuttering is a neurodevelopmental fluency disorder characterized by involuntary disruptions in the forward flow of speech. These disruptions, known as disfluencies, may include repetitions of sounds, syllables, or words; prolongations of sounds; and blocks where airflow or voicing is stopped entirely. Stuttering affects approximately 1% of the adult population and about 5% of children, with onset typically occurring between ages two and five.

Stuttering is more than just the observable disfluencies. Many individuals who stutter experience significant affective and cognitive components, including anxiety, fear of speaking situations, negative self-perception, and avoidance behaviors. These covert aspects of stuttering can be equally or more debilitating than the observable speech disruptions and must be addressed in comprehensive treatment.

Speech-language pathologists use evidence-based approaches to treat stuttering in children and adults. For young children, the Lidcombe Program and other parent-implemented approaches can be highly effective. For older children and adults, treatment may include fluency shaping techniques, stuttering modification strategies, cognitive behavioral approaches, and self-advocacy and desensitization activities.