Home Articles Diseases and Ailments

Stuttering refers to irregular or interrupted speech patterns that can affect both children and adults. Typical stuttering patterns include a repetition of sounds or syllables. People who stutter may exhibit a repetition of false starts (d-d-dog), monosyllabic words (I-I do), polysyllabic words (dogs–dogs can bite), or entire phrases (Dogs can-Dogs can bite). Stuttering may also take the form of pauses in speech patterns where the sentence may be interrupted with another word or with complete changes of words or thoughts. Many people also draw out words at the beginning of sentences if they stutter.

As is evident, there are a number of different types of stuttering patterns. Stuttering patterns can also change if the person is excited, stressed, tired or anxious. If the person is trying to explain something complicated, stuttering can occur as well. In addition to interrupted speech patterns, people with a stutter may also exhibit some unusual mannerisms or habits. Gestures such as repetitive blinking or swallowing or various jerky movements of the hands could accompany a stutter. This usually occurs in cases where the stuttering is severe or the condition is worsening.  

Stuttering types can be categorized depending on the speech pattern and whether the condition can be resolved or not.

• Type I Stuttering: This is the most common type of stuttering. It occurs then the vocal cords lock due to stress and the speech patterns that follow include repetitions, interruptions and prolongations of words, sounds, or syllables.
• Type II Stuttering: In this type of stuttering, there is a struggle as the vocal chords tense up and lock. However, this struggle usually precedes speech and there is no interruption in the speech pattern. There may however be a minimal delay in speech during which the struggle resolves itself. During this period of struggle, people with this type of stuttering may experience violent gestures such as shaking of the jaw, eye clenching and jerking of the hands.
• Type III Stuttering: Is similar to Type II in that the struggle precedes the speech. However, in this type, the person has elected to pause and wait until the vocal chords unlock and speech follows normally. During this time, the person may take a deep breath or distract himself before speaking.
• Type IV Stuttering: This is a hidden type of stuttering where the person consciously avoids words, sounds or situations that may involve a struggle. He develops a behavior pattern and coping mechanism that keeps him vigilant at all times and hides his problem from most other people.

Stuttering can also be classified according to the severity of the condition and the stage when the problem developed:

• Normal disfluency refers to stuttering that develops during early childhood and is resolved by the time of puberty. In most cases, stuttering is infrequent and the child is rarely affected by it.
• Developmental Stuttering: This type of stuttering usually begins around the age of five when language skills start to develop. Developmental stuttering may require treatment if symptoms are severe. Children with severe development stuttering tend to become embarrassed and frustrated with their condition. This may affect their social interactions and the development of their self-esteem and confidence.
• Acquired Stuttering: Acquired stuttering is a type of stuttering that develops as a result of damage or trauma to the brain. A stroke or cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s may cause this type of stuttering. This type of stuttering is also referred to as neurogenic stuttering.
• Psychogenic Stuttering: In some cases, emotional trauma or stress may also lead to stuttering. This type of stuttering is known as psychogenic stuttering and symptoms are usually exacerbated during times of stress and anxiety as well.

References:

1. http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/speech-pathology/speech-language-disorders/stuttering/types-stuttering.cfm

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.