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Speech Stuttering Is A Problem

23rd November, 2009 - Posted by health news - No Comments

It is estimated that up to 2.5% of children under the age of five have a speech stuttering problem. Stuttering (or stammering) occurs when a child repeats a word or phrase, prolongs a syllable, stops during speech or makes no sound for some syllables. Stuttering is most common in children who are learning to speak, although some kids have problems that persist until later in life, particularly as a result of self-consciousness, stress, anxiety or fatigue.

Scientists aren’t sure what exactly causes stuttering, but researchers hypothesize that there are a number of regions in the brain that play a part in stammering stuttering; namely the cortex, the cerebrum and the cortical pathways. In the past, doctors thought that blocking a chemical called “dopamine” in the brain would reduce the incidence of stuttering, but now they’re finding that increasing the level of GABA chemical can work in much the same way. Speech problems tend to run in the family, indicating that there is an unknown genetic factor at work. With developmental stuttering, children may find it difficult to synch their thoughts with their language abilities, and in adult cases of strokes or brain injuries, neurogenic stuttering occurs because there are lesions or structural abnormalities in the motor-speech region of the brain.

If you’re thinking of taking your child to the doctor to address speech stuttering, understand that your appointment will be quick and you’ll likely be referred to a speech pathologist. To get the most out of your appointment, be sure to write down important information, such as when the child first started speaking words and sentences, when the stuttering began, factors that alleviate and worsen symptoms, a list of all medications/supplements the child is taking and any questions you may have. You may also want to ask what causes stuttering. What tests does my child need? What treatments are recommended? Are there other alternative treatments? Are there speech stuttering therapy support groups or centers in the community? Which websites do you recommend for finding out more information?

To help your child who is speech stuttering, it’s best to listen attentively and maintain eye contact the whole time. Be patient and give your child the time to find the right words, without interjecting. Set aside time each day for talking, when you are not too busy or distracted to truly communicate. When you speak, talk slowly and deliberately to encourage your child to do the same. Try to keep a calm, relaxed atmosphere in your home, since stress can increase the incidence of stammering stuttering. For local community resources, contact the Stuttering Foundation at 1-800-992-9392 or the National Stuttering Association at 1-800-937-8888.

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