Here are some frequently asked questions about stuttering. If you're question hasn't been answered here, drop by the members area to ask your question.

What is stuttering?

Stuttering is a communication disorder in which the normal flow of speech is broken by repetitions, prolongations or abnormal stoppages (BLOCKS) of sounds and syllables. A person who stutters may exhibit one of these or a combination of any two or all three of these characteristics.  Blocks are often the worst type of stutter and create false impressions due to the silence. Blocking on the phone can be disastrous, with the other party hanging up because they think no one is on the other end of the line.

What is accessory behaviour?

Unusual facial and body movements may also be associated with the effort to produce sound and speak. These are called accessory behaviors and include head jerking, loss of eye contact, eye blinking, grimacing, foot tapping or stomping and many other unusual distracting things.

What is the difference between stuttering and stammering?

Stuttering and stammering is the same thing. Stuttering is a term used more commonly in American and Australian, while stammering is used more commonly in the UK and Europe.

What causes stuttering?

Despite decades of research, there are no clear-cut answers to the causes of stuttering. There is no single cause for stuttering, but current research is focused on the connection between stuttering and the neurological coordination of speech. Much has been learned about factors that contribute to its development in the areas of genetics, neurophysiology, child development, and family dynamics.

Stuttering may occur when a combination of factors come together and may have different causes in different people. It is probable that what causes stuttering differs from what makes it continue or get worse.

How many people stutter?

Approximately 1% of the population or 200,000 Australians stutter. This translates to more than 60 million people worldwide.

What is the ratio of males to females who stutter?

Four to one. Stuttering affects four times as many males as females. 

How many children stutter?

Some 20 percent of all young children go through a stage of development during which they encounter disfluency severe enough to be a concern to their parents. The best prevention tool is early intervention. 

Is stuttering caused by emotional or psychological problems?

Children and adults who stutter are no more likely to have psychological or emotional problems than children and adults who do not. There is no reason to believe that emotional trauma causes stuttering. 

I think my child is beginning to stutter. Should I wait or seek help?

It is best to seek help as soon as possible.  If the stuttering persists beyond three months or is particularly severe, or there is a family history you should seek help from a speech pathologist who specialises in stuttering right away. 

Can stuttering be treated?

Yes, there are a variety of successful approaches for treating both children and adults who stutter. In general, the earlier, the better is good advice. Early intervention in pre school children improves the possibility of curing the stutter.  

Treatment in adolescents and adults does not cure the stutter, but it can provide effective control and coping techniques to deal with the stutter. This treatment generally requires a lifelong commitment by the person who stutters to work on their stutter and their control technique. 

Are there any famous people who stutter?

James Earl Jones, Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe, Carly Simon, Annie Glenn, Jeannie Little, Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean) King George VI, Bruce Willis all stuttered and went on to have successful lives. Stuttering need not impede success in adulthood.  

I read about a new cure for stuttering. Is there such a thing?

There are no instant miracle cures for stuttering. Therapy is not an overnight process. However, a qualified speech pathologist can help not only children but also teenagers, young adults and even older adults make significant progress toward fluency.  

Should I have treatment for my stutter?

As a young person, it is your own choice. To elect to undergo treatment or not to have treatment are both valid choices. Some people worry about treatment and some people do not benefit from treatment. Some people undergo extensive treatment and it still does not help them. Treatment with continued self-help and personal development can help you become more accepting of your stutter and become a better communicator. Young people undergoing treatment for their stutter often described it as starting on a journey. Older people who stutter describe it as a life long journey. 

What are self-help groups?

Self-help groups are composed of persons who want to cope with a specific problem or life crisis. Stuttering self-help groups have been around in Australia sine the late 1970’s and comprise people who stutter working on their fluency and personal development. At self help-groups people share their experiences, good and bad, with others. You can connect and meet with people who have similar experiences, concerns problems and expectations. You will find different levels of fluency and different levels of stuttering. Self-help makes you realise that you are not alone and you do not have to undertake you journey as a person who stutters alone.