Help for Stuttering
I got a press release today about the Stuttering Foundation’s Web site www.stutteringhelp.org
The release says it’s the leading online site for those seeking help with stuttering, a complex speech disorder.
Here are some misunderstood aspects of stuttering:
Myth: People who stutter are not smart.
Reality: There is no link whatsoever between stuttering and intelligence.
Myth: Nervousness causes stuttering.
Reality: Nervousness does not cause stuttering. Nor should we assume that people who stutter are prone to be nervous, fearful, anxious or shy. They have the same full range of personality traits as those who do not stutter.
Myth: Stuttering can be “caught” through imitation or by hearing another person stutter.
Reality: You can’t “catch” stuttering. Recent research indicates that family history (genetics), neurological development, the child’s environment and family dynamics all play a role in the onset of stuttering.
Myth: It helps to tell a person to “take a deep breath,” or “think about what you want to say.”
Reality: This advice only makes a person more self-conscious, making the stuttering worse. More helpful responses include listening patiently and using slower and clearer speech yourself.
Myth: Stress causes stuttering.
Reality: As mentioned above, many complex factors are involved in the onset of stuttering. Stress is not the cause, but it can aggravate stuttering.
Check out the site and tell me if it’s helpful.
Susan Simpson
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