Stuttering Center

Stuttering is a sudden, intense breakdown in the fluent production of speech. In early childhood, it appears as word or syllable repetitions that often resolve. More severe silent hesitations, sound prolongations or muscle tremors may develop into more resistant behaviors.

While there is growing scientific evidence that stuttering is a physically-based disorder of speech muscle control, there are no known causes or cures. There are, however, a variety of promising early childhood and adult treatment programs that do provide excellent fluency results.

Beaumont's Stuttering Center helps children and adults who stutter to develop fluent speaking patterns. The center's clinicians help establish new fluency patterns as well as provide coping skills for patients and their families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is stuttering hereditary?
There is growing evidence that stuttering tends to occur in families who have a history of stuttering in previous generations.

Can stuttering be caused by physical or psychological trauma?
Trauma to the head can cause temporary speech dysfluency or stuttering. This usually resolves within weeks or months. Psychologic trauma can also cause temporary stuttering. Both of these conditions are rare.

Does early childhood stuttering resolve without treatment?
A large portion of children (75 percent) who begin to stutter at three to five years of age stop stuttering without treatment.

When should a parent seek help for their child who stutters?
As early as three years of age if the child exhibits muscle tremors, spasms or expresses anxiety about their speech.

Is there one speech technique that works best for children or adults who stutter?
No. There are several treatment strategies that have proved very successful. They include stuttering modification and fluency initiating programs.

Links

NIDCD - Stuttering

National Association of Young People Who Stutter

National Stuttering Association

Stuttering Foundation of America