Stuttering: Types And Treatment

Did you know that there are different types of stuttering? Today we will discover them and also see how this problem can be treated.

Stuttering is a problem that affects the flow of speech. The person who suffers it repeats words, suffers interruptions in his speech and it is difficult for him to speak fluently. In this article we will discover the types of stuttering that exist and how they can be treated.

As the article Approach and management of 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, long pauses, and blocks. But why does this problem appear?

In the aforementioned article, it is estimated that up to 70% of stuttering cases have to do with a family history. Therefore, if there is someone in the family who has already suffered from this speech difficulty, it is likely that other members have it as well.

Types of stuttering

When we think of a person who stutters, we do so without intuiting that there may be different types of stuttering. In fact, it may be the first time you’ve heard this. Therefore, today you will discover that there is not just one type and that each of them has very specific characteristics.

• Developmental stuttering : occurs when children are learning to speak. It usually disappears once the child has mastered all speech and language skills.
• Neurogenic : it is caused by an injury that causes serious trauma to the head and even a stroke. It can be irreversible.
• Clonic : the child is unable to speak fluently due to involuntarily repeating syllables and words.
• Tonic : the child suffers spasms that interrupt his speech. When this type is combined with the previous one (clonic), one speaks of a mixed stuttering.

Normally, the type of stuttering that comes to mind is usually the mixed type. However, as we have been able to realize, there are other possibilities. Next, we will see different options.

How is this speech disorder treated?

Depending on the type of stuttering a child suffers from, it will be treated in different ways. The important thing is that the sooner a treatment is started, the sooner this problem will improve to speak fluently and without interruptions.

Talk therapy

This is the first of the treatments that a child who has been diagnosed with this speech disorder will undergo. In this type of therapy, the child is given tools, in addition to work that consists of addressing the following points:

• Learning techniques that reduce stuttering when speaking.
• Speak in a slower way.
• Work your breath.

This type of therapy usually gives very good results and is a way in which the child can also reduce his anxiety. Many times, stuttering is made worse by being nervous or afraid of looking foolish.

In the event that the child suffers from neurogenic stuttering, cognitive-behavioral therapy may also be chosen.

Electronics devices

There are some devices that can help reduce stuttering. The ones that are being used the most are a kind of devices that are put in the ear, as if they were hearing aids. These mimic speech when the child speaks as if someone were speaking in unison.

The reason why you can opt for this tool is because, many times, stuttering occurs because there is a delay in hearing the sounds that are pronounced. This can be a good option to get a noticeable improvement.

The best therapy for stuttering is patience

Despite all these treatment options, parents should be involved in improving their child’s stuttering. For this, patience and following the instructions of the professionals will be essential. Avoid scolding him, talking to him quickly or getting angry with him.

Many people suffer from this disorder but, with all the options we have today, they can improve it until it is barely noticeable by others. Working at home, praising the child, not stressing him, listening to him and being patient will be essential elements.

Have you ever suffered from stuttering? Does someone in your environment stutter? We hope that this article allows you to better understand what this disorder is like and, also, how you can help those who are suffering from it.