What is stammering
Stammering is when speech is less fluent because of repeated sounds, stretched sounds, or pauses that block words from coming out. It is a symptom rather than a disease, and it can affect both children and adults. Some people stammer all the time, while for others it may come and go depending on the situation.
Stammering usually develops from a mix of these factors, and the exact cause is different for each person.
Signs of Stammering
Stammering can affect speech in different ways, and you may notice:
- Repeating sounds, syllables, or words – for example, saying “b-b-ball” or repeating a whole word before moving on.
- Stretching out sounds – holding on to a sound for longer than usual, such as “ssssun.”
- Speech that gets stuck or blocked – where the mouth is ready to speak but no sound comes out.
- Rapid blinking or tension in the face when speaking – physical movements that can happen alongside the speech difficulty.
- Avoiding certain words or situations – choosing not to speak, or swapping words, to try to hide the stammer.
Not everyone will experience all of these signs, and symptoms can change over time or in different situations.
Causes of Stammering
Stammering does not have a single cause. Several factors can play a part, including:
- Developmental stammering – many young children go through a stage of stammering as their speech develops. For most, this improves with time, but for some the difficulty continues.
- Family history – stammering can run in families, which suggests that inherited traits may increase the chance of it developing.
- Brain differences – research shows that people who stammer may use parts of the brain involved in speech in a different way, which can affect fluency.
- Stress or anxiety – these do not directly cause stammering but can make symptoms stronger or more noticeable, especially in situations where someone feels under pressure to speak.
Stammering usually develops from a mix of these factors, and the exact cause is different for each person.
How is Stammering Diagnosed?
Stammering is usually assessed by a speech and language therapist. They will listen to how you speak, ask about medical history and development, and talk through when the stammering happens most.
Sometimes they may use simple tests or questionnaires to understand the impact on daily life. This process is gentle and supportive, and it helps to guide the best treatment plan.
Impact on Daily Life
Stammering can affect more than just speech. It may lead to avoiding conversations, speaking less in groups, or feeling anxious in situations such as school, work, or social events.
Some people may feel frustration or embarrassment, which can affect confidence over time. With the right support and treatment, many people manage these challenges and find ways to communicate more comfortably.
What Treatments are there for Stammering?
Treatment for stammering is tailored to each person. A speech and language therapist may teach techniques to improve fluency and make speaking easier.
Support can also focus on reducing the stress or anxiety that may come with speaking. For children, parents may be given advice on how to encourage speech at home. In some cases, therapy is combined with wider support at school or work. The aim is to build confidence and help you communicate more freely.
We’re here to help you communicate more freely. Book an appointment today.
When to Seek Medical Help
You should contact a healthcare professional if:
- It is causing distress or affecting daily life
- A child’s stammering lasts longer than a few months(make this the first bullet point in this section)
- Symptoms are getting worse over time
Getting help early can make a difference in how stammering is managed.
Why go private with Mid-Ulster Clinic for Your Stammering Treatment?
Getting the right support for stammering can make a real difference to your confidence and communication. Choosing private care means you can be seen quickly and receive treatment that is tailored to your needs. Here’s what we offer:
- Fast access to appointments without long delays
- Consultations with experienced speech and language specialists
- Thorough assessment of your speech, with further tests if needed
- Support to manage anxiety or stress linked to speaking
- A calm, private setting where your concerns are listened to
We’re here to help you communicate more freely. Book an appointment today.
- Medically Reviewed
