Stuttering

Stuttering

Stuttered speech often includes repetitions of words or parts of words, as well as prolongations of speech sounds (ASHA). These disrupted speech sounds are also called “disfluencies,” which can impede communication when caused too frequently.

Signs of Stuttering:

• Appearing tense or out of breath when talking
• Stopped or blocked sounds
• Interjections such as “um”, “like,” or “uh” that delay words or the speaker appears to be stuck on.
• Prolonged sounds when talking

How can an SLP help with Stuttering: By noting the severity of the disorder and the impact on the patient’s daily life, an SLP can:

• Help the patient establish fluency in their speech
• Communicate more effectively by monitoring/controlling the rate the patient speaks
• Participate in normal everyday activities
• Control and maintain breathing