Stuttering

Diagnosis

Stuttering is diagnosed by a healthcare professional trained to evaluate speech and language in both children and adults. This specialist is called a speech-language pathologist. During the assessment, the pathologist listens to the person speak in different situations and observes patterns that may indicate stuttering.

For children, parents often play an important role in the diagnostic process. The healthcare professional or speech-language pathologist may ask about the child’s health history, when the stuttering began and the situations in which it occurs most often. They may explore how stuttering affects daily life, including interactions with others and performance at school. Talking with the child, which may include reading aloud, helps identify subtle speech differences. The professional also looks for clues to determine whether the stuttering is part of normal development or if it suggests a long-term condition. Broader communication skills may also be evaluated, such as how well the child understands spoken language and how accurately speech sounds are produced.

Adults who stutter undergo a similar evaluation. The healthcare professional or speech-language pathologist may ask about health history, when stuttering started and when it happens most often. It is important to rule out medical conditions that might contribute to stuttering. The professional may also ask about previous treatments and how stuttering affects different parts of life, such as relationships, work, education and stress levels.

Treatment

After a complete evaluation, the speech-language pathologist works with the individual or family to choose the most effective treatment plan. Treatment options vary widely because each person’s needs and challenges are different. A single method may be used, or multiple methods may be combined to improve outcomes.

Treatment may not completely eliminate stuttering, but it can teach skills that help improve fluency, strengthen communication and support full participation in school, work and social interactions.

Some commonly used treatment methods include:

• Speech therapy to help slow down speech and increase awareness of stuttering. In early sessions, speech may be intentionally slow and controlled, gradually becoming more natural over time.

• Electronic devices designed to improve fluency by altering how speech sounds are heard. Some devices provide delayed feedback, while others mimic speaking with another person. Many are small and wearable. Guidance from a speech-language pathologist can help in choosing the right device.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy to help identify and change thought patterns that increase stuttering. This method can also help address anxiety, stress or self-esteem issues related to stuttering.

• Parent-child interaction techniques that involve practicing strategies at home under the guidance of a speech-language pathologist. This approach is especially important for children.

Studies continue to explore medicines for stuttering, but none have been proven effective at this time.