What is stammering? What causes stammering?
The term "stammer" covers a wide range of speaking problems. Those affected may do one or more of the following:
-- repeat sounds (s..s..s..supper) or syllables (su..su..su..supper)
-- prolong sounds (ssssssssupper)
-- get stuck on a certain word or sound, so there's a delay in getting the word out (s…upper)
-- avoid certain words and phrases - or abandon them halfway through
-- close their eyes and rush through what they have to say
-- have facial grimaces or tics as they try to speak
-- give up speaking altogether
What causes it?
It isn't totally clear what causes stammering. We do know that more men than women stammer (the ratio is 3:1) and there is a 20 percent greater chance you'll stammer if a close relative has a similar speech problem. Most experts think some people have a genetic predisposition to stammer, although they're unsure what triggers it. The British Stammering Association (BSA) says that stammering is caused by a combination of factors.
What is clear is that stammerers are no less intelligent than non-stammerers. Norbert Lieckfeldt, director of the BSA, says: "My theory is that once a child stammers as they learn to speak, the wrong neural pathways (nerve pathways) are formed and a (long-term) stammer develops. In severe cases, the threshold for stammering is very low. In mild cases, it takes a lot to set it off."
Experts are also fairly confident that youngsters don't learn to stammer through imitation. Nor do they think a particular trauma sets it off, although emotional stress can be a contributing factor. "Learning to speak is very stressful," says Mr Lieckfeld. "It seems there comes a point when what they want to say is too much for their physical ability to express." Once a stammer takes hold, certain situations like tiredness, upset, excitement, feeling pressured and an unfamiliar environment can make it worse. Another key point is that parents must not blame themselves if a child stammers - there is no evidence parents cause stammering.
Stammering in under-fives
Most children stumble over words, hesitate and repeat sounds as they're learning to speak. Often, they're not aware of their problem. But when it interferes with talking, upsets the speaker or the child thinks the listener is put off, a stammer may develop.
If you're at all worried about a child's speech problem talk to your doctor and obtain a referral to see a speech and language therapist. They're based at health centres, private clinics and hospitals. With young children you can also talk to your health visitor.
Therapists say the earlier they see a child the better, even if they turn out not to have a stammer, because once it has taken hold, it's harder to deal with. In the mean time, the BSA says the following self-help tips might be useful:
-- giving your child your regular full attention, in a relaxed atmosphere when he's not struggling to talk over others. Let him take his time speaking and don't interrupt.
-- sit on the floor so you're at his level
-- slow your own speech down, and pause for a couple of seconds before answering, so he feels he can do the same
-- use the same short, simple sentences he does
Although these tips will be helpful, it is essential that you don't treat your child differently because of the stammering. This may only make the problem seem larger and could increase their anxiety about it.
Stammering in school-age children
It's important that children who stammer know they are loved and supported, and feel safe and secure. Don't let him feel he's a failure, bad, wrong or different. Don't finish his or her words and sentences or correct speech - it's more important that the child feels confident communicating. If you have other children, treat them all the same. Always be prepared to talk openly and supportively about the stammer.
If the stammer worsens, go back to familiar books, games and rhymes to help them calm down and take the focus off problems with speech. Don't encourage tricks to disguise the stammer temporarily, eg taking a deep breath or talking with an accent.
Talk with the child's teacher about techniques to reduce the problem in the classroom. Unfortunately, your child may be bullied at some point because of the stammer. It's vital they have a supportive environment, with someone at home and at school they can talk to if it flares up. Schools should have a written bullying policy - ask to see it and establish your point of contact. Continues......BUPA
Ce este bâlbâit? Ce cauze bâlbâit? - What is stammering? What causes stammering? - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate