What is Stuttering?

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Introduction

Stuttering is a speech difference with a biological source and characterized by primary and secondary behaviors.

We refer here specifically to developmental stuttering, as opposed to acquired stuttering, which typically develops during childhood and continues, for some, into

adulthood. Stuttering is also known as Stammering, with the different terminology being used in different countries.

Primary Characteristics

The primary characteristics of stuttering are a manifestation of the biological source of stuttering. They consist of prolongations, in which sound is stretched out (lllllike

this); repetitions, in which syllables or sounds are repeated (li-li-like this); and blocks, during which the speaker initially cannot get any sound out at all. The latter are

sometimes referred to as silent blocks.

Secondary Characteristics

The secondary characteristics of stuttering include behaviors such as:

·        Physical tension, anywhere and sometimes everywhere in the body, such as a tense jaw, neck and abdomen.

·        Addition of filler words and sounds, such "um," "err," "like," or even "you know."

·        Involuntary body movements, such as tilting our head, jerking our head or hands, and tic-like behaviors. These result from the tension.

·        Various types of avoidance, such as word substitution, the use of filler words to avoid getting to the stutter, avoiding social participation, or simply not talking.

Stuttering and Struggle

The key to understanding stuttering is to understand how to differentiate between Stuttering and the Struggle with stuttering.

The secondary characteristics, or behaviors, are a manifestation of the struggle with and against stuttering, and all occur due to our attempts to avoid and hide our

stuttering. All these attempts to avoid stuttering occur due to the stigma of stuttering.

In most if not all cases of so-called "severe" stuttering, the severity comes from the struggle with and against stuttering, and not from the stuttering itself. That said,

struggle may not always increase the severity of stuttering, but it does increase the impact of stuttering on how we live our lives.

It is so important to understand the difference between the primary and the secondary behaviors, since:

·        It is important to understand what is happening so that we can deal with it in the manner best suited for us.

·        If we misidentify the problem (assuming that there is a problem), then we will seek and probably receive the incorrect treatment (assuming treatment is needed),          which will result in the problem not being solved.

·        It is important to understand why we are suffering in order to effectively resolve our suffering.

The Biological Basis of Stuttering

Research shows that stuttering is biological in nature^[1]. We stutter because we have a neurophysiological difference that affects speech motor timing and initiation.

·        There are functional and structural neurological differences between the brains of people who stutter(PWS) and those who don't.

·        There are genetic components to stuttering. This does not mean that stuttering is necessarily hereditary, although there are families where stuttering is observed

        across the generations.

·        There has been research on the role of neurochemistry in stuttering, and dopamine has been found to have a connection to stuttering^[2].  

It is very important to emphasize that this neurological difference affects speech only, and not any other capabilities of people who stutter.

Statistics

About 5% of pre-school children go through some phase of stuttering, which will pass in about 75-80% of these children^[3]. We still don’t know why, but neuroplasticity

possibly plays a part.

It is generally accepted that PWS comprise about 1% of the adult population^[4],although data from the UK from about 2021 indicates about 2%^[5].

The ratio of men to women who stutter is approximately 4:1, i.e. 4 out of 5 PWS are men^[6].

Stuttering occurs across all countries, all languages, and all cultures^[7].

Difference, not Defect

It is crucially important to understand and to recognize that stuttering is a speech or communication Difference, and not a Defect^[8].This understanding guides us in how

we relate to stuttering, and to the person who stutters.

·        The problem is not stuttering, but rather our attitude towards stuttering.

·        The problem is the social stigma and prejudice, whereby PWS are judged and discriminated against.

The Role of the Listener

Just listen. Listen to what the person is saying and avoid concentrating on or judging how the person is speaking.

Avoid giving advice, such as “slow down”, or “just breathe”. Such advice, while well-meaning, is not at all helpful and is even a hinderance.

Avoid completing the words and sentences of the PWS. Let them speak, and listen, no matter how long they take.

If you don’t understand something that the person said, ask for clarification.

Some Common Myths about Stuttering

·        Stuttering is not caused by emotional or psychological problems, and is not a mental illness.

·        Stuttering is not related to intelligence.

·        Stuttering is not due to a lack of self-confidence or self-esteem.

·        Stuttering is not due to stress.

            - But time-pressure and stress can exacerbate stuttering.

·        Stuttering is not due to a trauma that we experienced as a child.

            - Although trauma can be one of the triggers in those who have a physiological tendency to stuttering.

·        Stuttering does not define the person; it is simply part of them.

References

^[1] Knowns and unknowns about the neurobiology of stuttering; https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002492

^[2] The Stuttering Mind; Scientific American, August 2021; https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/stuttering-stems-from-problems-in-brain-wiring-not-personalities/

^[3] A Handbook on Stuttering; Bloodstein, Bernstein Ratner and Brundage; Seventh Edition; Summary Remarks on the Demography of Stuttering

^[4] A Handbook on Stuttering; Bloodstein, Bernstein Ratner and Brundage; Seventh Edition; Summary Remarks on the Demography of Stuttering

^[5] Stamma.org; https://stamma.org/features/how-many-adults-stammer

^[6] A Handbook on Stuttering; Bloodstein, Bernstein Ratner and Brundage; Seventh Edition; The Sex Ratio

^[7] A Handbook on Stuttering; Bloodstein, Bernstein Ratner and Brundage; Seventh Edition; Stuttering in Other World Communities

^[8] Stammering Pride and Prejudice: Difference not Defect; https://www.jr-press.co.uk/product/stammering-pride-prejudice/

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The Author

Hanan Hurwitz is a proud person who stutters, and former Chair and Executive Director of AMBI, the Israeli Stuttering Association. He lectures extensively on stuttering and is determined to help everyone understand stuttering in order to get past the limitations that the pervasive stigma about stuttering imposes on society in general and on people who stutter and their families in particular. He has been instrumental in arranging conferences on stuttering and was part of the team that curates the annual International Stuttering Awareness Day online conference.

Hanan is the author of the book “Stuttering: From Shame and Anxiety to Confident Authenticity”. Information on the book, and a free chapter download, can be found at OnStuttering.com.

Professionally, Hanan is an electronics engineer by training. Since 2019 he has been working as an independent Quality and Regulatory Management Consultant.

His primary interests are learning Buddhist and Stoic philosophy, Blues guitar music, reading, and of course, stuttering.

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Get in Touch

Email: Hanan.hurwitz@gmail.com

Phone: +972 54 5200733

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