Getting Help With Stammering
Stammering (clinically referred to as dysphemia) is a form of
speech defect concerned with an involuntary action of repeating
or prolonging of syllables or words. For example, when a person
pronounces the word "stop" but instead says it like, "sssssstop"
or "ssstt-sstt-sttop," that is stammering.
Naturally, the condition is frustrating for the patient as it
not only hampers his/her ability to communicate well, it also
opens him/her to perceptions that he or she is slow and stupid.
There is no direct link between stammering and mental capacity.
Studies show that speech defects like stammering are usually
brought on by bad speech habits developed in childhood.
Can stammering be cured?
The answer is an overwhelming yes. Since the condition is
primarily caused by habit, given enough time bad habits can be
unlearned and replaced with the proper ones leading to correct
speech.
How can you get help? - If you (or someone you know) stammer,
consult with a speech pathologist. This is so that proper
assessment of the condition can be made and verified whether
stammering is the problem. The speech pathologist will have you
read aloud a series of sample sentences or paragraphs, which is
usually recorded for further analysis.
- Next a speech therapist will prescribe a series of exercises
to correct the defect. It's been discovered that stammering is
not merely a speaking defect but one that involves listening as
well. So listening exercises may very likely be prescribed
alongside breathing and relaxation exercises in addition to the
ones for speech called oral motor exercises.
How can you help yourself? - When working with a speech
therapist, you may need to make several and frequent visits at
the beginning of the treatment, which tapers off towards the
later part as improvements set in. But the exercises should
continue and be done diligently even outside these visits.
- Experts recommend that the minimum duration in treating
stammering is 3 months of consistent therapy. To ensure
permanency of results, six months to a year is prescribed.
- The optimum age in carrying out speech therapy is around the
ages of 15 and 25. This is because young children may forget
what has been learned and revert while older adults may have
difficulty unlearning established habits.
Finally, there is nothing wrong with asking for positive
reinforcement from friends, family and co-workers when you
undergo the measures to cure stammering. It's only right to do
so and those who respect you will only be too willing to help
you.
With patience, diligence and some time, the problem of
stammering can be solved leading to a fuller and more productive
life for you and everyone around you.