Stammering vs stuttering

Different or the Same?

Stuttering is often considered to be the same as stammering. Thereby, both words are to represent a speech disorder involving involuntary insertion of short pauses between words and even syllables, repetition of syllables while pronouncing words, and other uttering difficulties. Even though this oral linguistic anomaly is present in everyday speech of the people suffering from this phenomenon with two names, it is known to get worse in certain situations. Namely, when you are giving a public speech, or are experiencing stress when supposed to give information orally, if you are already stammering or stuttering, you are bound to do it even more. Finally, some believe that stammering is not necessarily a name for a speech disorder. Rather, it can affect any person in a stressful situation, where he or she can have problems pronouncing some words properly. Nevertheless, stuttering remains classified as a name for the above described speech disorder.

Manifestations of Stuttering

This condition is often noticeable at an early, language acquisition age. Then, if the parents hear prolonged repetitions of the following symptoms, they should consider providing their children professional help.

These include repetition or difficulty in pronunciation of specific, often initial words or syllables, hesitation and pauses while speaking, quick streaming of words after pauses or prolongation of the previously uttered ones, substitution of sounds in utterance. Also, this problematic speaking is followed by rapid blinking, uncontrollable, strange movement of jaw, lips or limbs while talking, breathlessness and tightening of the face.

Reasons Behind Stuttering

Many experts agree that this condition may be hereditary, since, often, those who stutter are not the only ones in their family suffering from this speech disorder.

Also, being a common appearance at young age, stuttering appears due to the child's extreme will to talk, even though he or she still lacks adequate linguistic skills.

Sometimes, usually after some cases of brain injuries or illnesses of this type, a person's speech nerves get damaged, manifesting through the appearance of this disorder due to the lack of contact between the nerves and the brain. Speaking of neurological issues, boys are considered to be more prone to stuttering than girls are and the experts claim that it has something to do with our neurological structures and differences.

Therefore, upon noticing the above mentioned symptoms, especially, with children younger than 5 years of age, seeking professional help is crucial.

Possible Treatment

All in all, stuttering requires treatment and is considered a disorder, while stammering is temporary, may affect all and strikes during stressful situations. Since the former requires treatment, you might consider fluency shaping therapy, stuttering modification therapy or being treated by some electronic fluency devices.