FAQ

Stuttering is a difficult-to-control disruption in the easy forward flow, rhythm, and/or

timing pattern of speech. The speech disruption may be characterized by repetitions of

sounds (m…m…m….my bicycle is….) or syllables (my bi….bi….bi….bicycle is…),

prolongations of sounds (mmmmmmy bicycle is….), interruptions to sound making (my

__________bicycle is….), each alone or in some combination often accompanied by

tension and/or awareness of a struggle to speak.

Typically, stuttering starts somewhere between the ages of 2 and 5 years. This early

start is often described as “early child onset” or “developmental” stuttering. In less

frequent cases, stuttering may start in later childhood, adolescence, or adulthood.

No one knows for sure. Currently, there are several “multifactorial” theories and models

that suggest more than one factor contributes to a person’s stuttering. The contributing

factors may be different and in different amounts or combinations for different people

who stutter. Suggested contributing factors children include subtle differences in a)

speech and language functioning, b) various neurological processes, c) emotional

reactivity and regulation, d) genetic contributions, and e) gender influences. In adults,

some strokes, brain tumors, traumatic brain injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases

have also contributed to stuttering.

Generally, NO. Emotional or psychological problems rarely cause stuttering, but

stuttering may contribute to emotional or psychological problems that would otherwise

not occur.

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Stuttering CAN significantly impact a child’s academic,

emotional, and social development as well as an older person’s vocational potential,

advancements and achievements. However, appropriate intervention has demonstrated

an increased likelihood of successful life outcomes. Some people become naturally

fluent while others become humankind contributors who happened to stutter (i.e.: Sir

Issac Newton, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Love, Lewis Carroll, Charles Darwin, King George

VI, Jack Welch, Joseph Biden, etc.).

Get an evaluation by a person specialized in stuttering, cluttering, and other fluency disorders. An evaluation will help to determine if the person has stuttering (a specific problem) as opposed to some other fluency disorder (a broader concern), the type and characteristics of the stuttering, and a treatment plan best suited for that person.

That’s a loaded question. There are different outcomes. Some people who receive

therapy for their stuttering:

a) may result with naturally sounding and flowing speech without any concern

about his or her speech, or

b) may be satisfied with only a significant reduction in the frequency, severity,

and/or duration of his or her stuttering, or

c) may be content and competent in modifying and understanding the waxing

and waning nature of his or her stuttering in various conditions/environments, or

d) may become a well-adjusted efficient and effective speaker even though he or

she speaks with a minimum or full stutter, or

e) any one or more other outcomes which enhance one’s quality of life.

*Michael Susca is a person who stuttered twenty-plus years, who was encouraged to

enter this field by his own Speech-Language Pathologist, who does not stutter, and who

has helped people of all ages who stutter for fifty years. He currently fits the “a” category

above.