If you or a family member stutter, you may be quite confused as to what to do about it, what it means, or how common the problem is. Many people have incorrect beliefs about stuttering, and these generally serve to create a stigma about the problem.
So, it’s time to learn fact from fiction and assimilate some important truths about stuttering. Take a look at these common stuttering facts and misconceptions, and separate myth from reality for yourself.
Fact: Millions of people stutter
According to The Stuttering Foundation, approximately 68 million people worldwide stutter, and approximately 3 million Americans do. That represents roughly 1% of the world’s and American populations, respectively, and means there are literally millions of people just like you.
Fact: stuttering runs in the family
Many people do not realize that stuttering can be transmitted genetically. Research shows that approximately 60% of people who stutter have a family member who stutters well.
Fact: stuttering affects men more than women
Stuttering affects four times more men than women. It is not a mistake to believe that you have seen many more men with a stuttering condition than women. Still, that means there would be 13 million women around the world who stutter, based on the statistic cited above.
Fiction: emotional trauma causes stuttering
Emotional trauma has not been shown to cause stuttering. In fact, research shows that children and adults who stutter are no more likely to have psychological or emotional problems than those who do not stutter.
Fiction: I should expect it
Many parents think that if their child stutters, they should wait until it passes and the child will fix it himself. Usually that’s not the best course of action, and stuttering problems can become more ingrained over time. After three to six months of a child’s stuttering, it is best for everyone to seek an evaluation from a speech-language pathologist.
Fiction: stuttering is all the same
There is actually a wide range of how serious a stuttering problem can be, as well as the details of how it affects each person’s speech. There are many different stuttering patterns and behaviors, and even from person to person, there can be inconsistencies on a day-to-day basis.
Hopefully, you’ve been able to learn more about stuttering, some common myths about stuttering, and important facts. If you or a loved one has been dealing with stuttering, you may want to see a speech-language pathologist. He or she will be able to provide you with a quality action plan to address your concerns and start making big strides.
