International Stammering Awareness Day: Tuesday 22nd October
What is stammering?
Stammering is “characterised by stoppages and disruptions in fluency which interrupt the smooth flow and timing of speech. These stoppages may take the form of :
- repetitions of sounds, syllables or words
- prolongations of sounds so that words seem to be stretched out
- may involve silent blocking of the airflow of speech when no sound is heard (Enderby, 1996)
Speech may also sound
- forced
- tense
- jerky
People who stammer may avoid certain words or situations which they know will cause them difficulty.
What is covert stammering?
- Avoidance and substitution of words to such an extent that people in their lives may not realise they have a stammer
- For the person who stammers, the stammer is nonetheless real
How prevalent is stammering?
Stammering affects approximately 1% of the population
Advice for people in conversation with a person who stammers
Be patient
- Most people who stammer strongly prefer to speak for themselves
- You may be tempted to finish a person’s sentences or ‘fill in’ words but this does not help
Remember that it is OK to stammer
- Don’t give advice such as: ‘slow down’, ‘take a breath’, or ‘relax’
- Maintain natural eye contact, listen, and wait patiently until the person has finished speaking
Be a good listener
Focus on what the person is saying, not how they are saying it
Remember that stammering varies
- People who stammer can have most difficulty when starting to speak and less difficulty once underway
- Don’t be surprised if a person stammers more in some situations than others
- The telephone, speaking in front of a queue or in earshot of others can cause increased difficulties
Remember that stammering is not caused by nervousness.
While a speaker may appear nervous, keep in mind that the nervousness is a result of embarrassment about their stammering rather than a cause of it
If you are not sure how to respond, ask the speaker – but always do this sensitively and in a way that leaves the speaker in control.This might involve asking an open question such as, “Is there anything I can do to make this easier for you?”Or, if someone is stammering severely, closed questions such as “Would you prefer to go somewhere quieter?”or “Would you prefer to write this down?”
Please note that the tone of these questions is very important. Bear in mind, too, that some speakers may be uncomfortable talking about their speech, but many would welcome your respectful interest.
How can ITS help?
If you or a family member has a stammer and you would like to discuss the therapy options that we have available please do get in touch. We would be pleased to help.
How can I contact ITS?
Telephone: 0845 838 291. We are happy to provide a complimentary telephone consultation.
Email: info@integratedtreatments.co.uk
Further information
The British Stammering Association http://www.stammering.org/
Victoria Taylor21/10/2013
Written on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services.I.T.S is a private Speech and Language Therapy service based in Leicestershire, East Midlands and Southern England. It specialises in providing highly-skilled Speech and Language Therapists, but also associates with other therapeutic professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and Arts Psychotherapists
