Stuff You Should Know
Selects: How Stuttering Works
Sat May 11 2024stutteringcommunicationspeech therapy
Description
This episode explores the topic of stuttering, also known as stammering or disfluency. It discusses the causes, effects, and treatment options for stuttering. The hosts share personal experiences and provide insights on how to support individuals with stutters. Famous individuals who have overcome stuttering are also mentioned.
Insights
Stuttering is an interruption in normal communication and not a sign of disorder or unintelligence.
Stuttering can manifest as repetition, prolongation, or abnormal stoppage of sounds.
Acceptance of one's stutter is a crucial first step towards managing it effectively.
People with stutters often engage in obfuscation to hide their condition, but some choose to embrace and accept their stutter as part of who they are.
There is a genetic basis for stuttering, with a higher likelihood of stuttering in identical twins compared to fraternal twins.
Excess dopamine levels may be linked to stuttering, as dopamine controls movement and too much of it can lead to ticks like Tourette's.
Parents can support children with stuttering by giving them ample time and space to express themselves fully without interruptions.
Maintaining natural eye contact and not drawing attention to the stutter while listening are recommended strategies for parents.
Speech pathology has made advancements in treating stuttering, with some unconventional methods like a device that creates an echo to help reduce stuttering.
Famous individuals like James Earl Jones, Emily Blunt, Samuel L. Jackson, and others have overcome stuttering through speech therapy or other means.
Chapters
Summary
Transcript
Understanding Stuttering
00:00 - 14:58
- Stuttering, also known as stammering or disfluency, is an interruption in normal communication.
- Disfluency in speech is common and includes interruptions like 'um' or pauses.
- Stuttering becomes noticeable when it interrupts communication significantly.
- The hosts of the podcast acknowledge their own disfluencies in speech but emphasize that it's normal in a conversational setting.
- Stuttering is not a sign of disorder or unintelligence.
- Stuttering can manifest as repetition, prolongation, or abnormal stoppage of sounds.
- It's important not to complete sentences for someone who stutters, as it may hinder effective communication.
- Acceptance of one's stutter is a crucial first step towards managing it effectively.
- People with stutters often engage in obfuscation to hide their condition, but some choose to embrace and accept their stutter as part of who they are.
Causes and Factors
14:30 - 41:55
- Stuttering affects about 1% of adults globally, with more men stuttering than women.
- Developmental stuttering is the most common type, while acquired stuttering can be caused by factors like head trauma or Parkinson's disease.
- There is a genetic basis for stuttering, with a higher likelihood of stuttering in identical twins compared to fraternal twins.
- Excess dopamine levels may be linked to stuttering, as dopamine controls movement and too much of it can lead to ticks like Tourette's.
- Research is being conducted to understand the genetic basis of stuttering.
- Proteins and genes linked to cellular trafficking are believed to be associated with stuttering.
- Moses, a biblical figure, is said to have developed a stutter after grabbing a hot coal as a baby.
- Moses sought help from God for his stuttering and was advised to have his brother speak for him.
- Historically, individuals like Demosthenes used speech exercises similar to modern treatments for stuttering.
- Different theories about stuttering existed in the 18th century, including ideas about too many thoughts blocking speech and emotions like bashfulness affecting speaking.
- Stuttering was believed to be caused by either a dread of speaking or an over eagerness to speak according to psychologist Sandow.
- Current understanding suggests that stuttering is more complex than physical issues with the tongue and likely originates in the brain.
Support and Treatment
41:30 - 55:34
- Parents can support children with stuttering by giving them ample time and space to express themselves fully without interruptions.
- Maintaining natural eye contact and not drawing attention to the stutter while listening are recommended strategies for parents.
- Encouraging a slower pace of speech at home and modeling calm communication can help children feel heard and reduce pressure to rush their speech.
- Being honest about the stutter, avoiding asking the child to start over or think before speaking, and focusing on what is being said rather than how it's being said are important in supporting a child with a stutter.
- Supporting individuals with stutters extends beyond childhood, as similar respectful listening practices can be applied in various settings like business conversations.
- Speech pathology has made advancements in treating stuttering, with some unconventional methods like a device that creates an echo to help reduce stuttering.
- Famous individuals like James Earl Jones, Emily Blunt, Samuel L. Jackson, and others have overcome stuttering through speech therapy or other means.
- Some people embrace their stutter rather than trying to eliminate it entirely.