The heart begins to beat faster and energy is produced in the body when we feel emotion, excitement or the need to express ourselves. As a result, some people experience stuttering or stuttering issues, especially when speaking in front of many people. Stuttering opens up a whole new world of anxiety, fear, unfavorable feelings, and avoidance tactics. It is a speech disorder that can affect people of all ages, especially children. We reveal tips for stopping stuttering on World Stuttering Awareness Day. You can also follow these tips to help someone else.
How to stop stuttering?
Both biological and psychological factors contribute to stuttering. It’s incredibly complex, and everyone stutters differently. So far there is no perfect treatment for stuttering. However, with the use of speech therapy, you can learn to significantly control or overcome your stuttering.
Health Shots contacted Dr Ehteshaam Khatri, Audiologist and Speech Therapist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai to understand what triggers stuttering and how to manage it.
Here are the risk factors for stuttering, according to Dr. Khatri:
1. Abnormalities in motor control of speech: According to research, abnormalities in motor control of speech like timing and sensory and motor coordination lead to stuttering.
2. Genetics: Stuttering runs in families. You will be shocked to learn that it appears that stuttering can result from inherited (genetic) abnormalities.
3. Neurogenic stuttering is due to stroke or even traumatic brain injury.
4. Childhood developmental delay and stress can also cause of stuttering. It will be imperative for you to seek timely attention for stuttering. Don’t take it lightly or dismiss it thinking it’s a common problem.
Here is how you can help someone struggling with the problem of stuttering:
1. Stay relaxed
To stop stuttering or stuttering, it’s really important for the person to stay as calm as possible. Don’t stress them out and don’t worry them. Instead, try to maintain a relaxed atmosphere at home.
2. Let them finish their speech
Don’t make them feel sorry for talking multiple times a day (such as family time and mealtimes) while listening to them uninterrupted. Instead, ask them to try speaking slowly and clearly, so they can say what they want.
3. Listen to them
Don’t ghost them while listening. Stuttering is a speech disorder try to pay attention to what the person says rather than how they say it.
4. Build trust
Someone who stutters must be confident and patient. You can help your child learn to do things, praise them for small accomplishments but do them wisely, be a good parent, avoid criticism, focus on their strengths, and contact a doctor for help.
Also read: If your child stutters, sensitivity is what you need as a parent! Get tips here
5. Avoid triggers
Avoid situations that may cause the person to stutter more. Breathing exercises can help manage stress and anxiety issues.
6. Communicate with them
Don’t make the person who stutters uncomfortable. Try working with someone who stutters. This will help the person to improve their self-esteem.
