Stuttering and stammering
What is stammering?
Stammering is "characterised by stoppages and disruptions in fluency which
interrupt the smooth flow and timing of speech. These stoppages may take
the form of repetitions of sounds, syllables or words, or of prolongations
of sounds so that words seem to be stretched out, and can involve silent
blocking of the airflow of speech when no sound is heard" (Enderby, 1996).
Speech may sound forced, tense or jerky. People who stammer may avoid certain
words or situations which they know will cause them difficulty. Some people
avoid and substitute words to such an extent that people in their lives
may not realise they have a stammer. This is known as "covert stammering".
How does stammering affect people?
Stammering affects people in different ways and can vary according to the
situation in which the person finds themselves: to whom the person is talking;
how they are feeling about themselves and their speech; and what they want
to say. Stammering can vary from adult to adult and child to child in its
manner, frequency and severity.
Stammering is not simply a speech difficulty but is a serious communication
problem. For the child or adult who stammers it can undermine their confidence
and self-esteem, and affect their interactions with others as well as their
education and employment prospects.
What is the difference between stuttering and stammering?
They are the same thing, the terminology means the same.
Facts about stammering
Stuttering occurs more often in males than females, about 3:1.
The incidence of stuttering is reported to be between 5-10%.
Stuttering is not a symptom of emotional or mental problems.
Stuttering may be a source of stress and cause emotional difficulties.
Stutterers are not less intelligent than normal speakers; they are of normal
intelligence.
Stuttering is not learned by imitating others who stutter.
call Rob Kelly direct on: 01223 301577
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