Speech therapy

Stammering (also called stuttering) is a speech fluency disorder where the flow of speech is disrupted, making it hard to speak smoothly.

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What Happens in Stammering

A person may show:
• Repetition of sounds or syllables
“b-b-ball”
• Prolongation of sounds
“ssssun”
• Blocks (no sound comes out for a moment)
• Secondary behaviors: eye blinking, facial tension, head movement

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Why Stammering Occurs
• Neurodevelopmental differences in speech-motor control
• Genetic factors (often runs in families)
• Language–speech mismatch (thoughts faster than speech)
• Stress or anxiety (worsens but does not cause stammering)

Stammering is not caused by poor parenting or intelligence issues.

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Who Is Commonly Affected
• Usually begins between 2–5 years
• More common in boys
• May be associated with ASD, ADHD, language delay, but can also occur alone

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When to Seek Therapy

Consult a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) if:
• Stammering lasts below 6 months
• Child shows struggle, tension, or avoidance
• There is family history
• Child is below 4 years with increasing stammering

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