Stuttering

Stuttering is a communication disorder in which the flow of speech is broken by repetitions (li-li-like this), prolongations (lllllike this), or abnormal stoppages (no sound) of sounds and syllables. There may also be unusual facial and body movements associated with the effort to speak. Stuttering is also referred to as stammering.

What causes stuttering?

There are four factors most likely to contribute to the development of stuttering:
• genetics (approximately 60% of those who stutter have a family member who does also)
• child development (children with other speech and language problems or developmental delays are more likely to stutter);
• neurophysiology (recent neurological research has shown that people who stutter process speech and language slightly differently than those who do not stutter)
• family dynamics (high expectations and fast-paced lifestyles can contribute to stuttering).

Courtesy: Stuttering Foundation http://www.stutteringhelp.org