Definition

Stuttering is a disruption in normal speech patterns. For example, someone who stutters repeats sounds or syllables, especially at the beginning of words. For example, you want to say the word "want" and pronounce it "w-w-w-want." This can also manifest as a stretched out sound when you are about to say something, such as "mmmmmy". Not infrequently, stuttering involves a complete cessation of speech or loss of sound. Stuttering may also be accompanied by repeated speech interruptions, such as "uh" or "um" sounds.

Everyone can experience stuttering at any age. However, this is more often found in children who are learning to string words together to form sentences. Boys are more likely to experience this than girls. This language disorder often appears at the age of 18 and 24 months. This condition tends to disappear and appear until the child is 5 years old.

Causes

There are several things that cause stuttering, such as:

• There is a family history of stuttering (genetic). About 60 percent of all people who stutter have a family history of something similar.
• Neurophysiology. In some children who stutter, language is processed through different parts of the brain than in children who do not stutter. This may disrupt the interaction between the brain and the muscles that control word pronunciation.

Risk Factor

There are several risk factors that can cause stuttering, namely:

• There are developmental disorders in children. Children who experience speech and other types of language difficulties are more likely to stutter.
• Family dynamics. Some children's stuttering is attributed to high expectations from the family and a fast-paced lifestyle,
• Gender. Boys are more likely to stutter than girls.
• Age at which stuttering first appeared. Children who start stuttering before the age of 3 are more likely to outgrow their stuttering.
• Abnormalities in speech motor control. This is caused by damage to the brain or nerves related to the system that regulates the use of muscles for speaking. This can cause children to experience difficulties speaking, ranging from slurred speech to inability to speak.
• Stress. Stress does not cause stuttering. However, stress can cause the stuttering condition you are experiencing to worsen. This happens if the child feels pressure, or is rushed.

Symptoms

There are several symptoms of stuttering, such as:

• Difficulty starting a word or sentence
• Repeating a sound, syllable, or word
• Extension of a word or part of a word
• Pausing within a word (fracture) or missing syllable
• Stiffness in the face or upper body when pronouncing words
• Adding additional words such as “um” or “uh” before saying the next word or phrase
• Experiencing anxiety about speaking
• Experience the authenticity to communicate effectively

Along with the presence of stuttering, you may also have:

• Rapid eye blinking movements
• Lips or jaw tremble
• Jerking my head
• Clenching fists
• Tics on face
• Stuttering can get worse if you are excited, tired, or feel stressed

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of stuttering is made by your doctor. They may ask several questions, such as:

• Since when has your child stuttered and when does this condition usually occur
• How stuttering impacts your child at school and their interactions with others

Your doctor will also carry out an evaluation by:

• Ask your child to read aloud. This is done to see the child's speech problems
• Determine which speech intentions may be a long-term problem
• Rule out Tourette's syndrome or other disorders in making the diagnosis

Management

Treatment for stuttering is a combination of methods tailored to your child's needs. Until now, there is no treatment to treat stuttering. However, this management can improve children's abilities in speaking, communicating, and participating in school activities.

Your doctor may refer your child to a pediatrician who will evaluate your child. Your doctor will provide treatment that focuses on training and working with parents to develop techniques to help the child. Treatment in the form of administering medication has so far not been proven to be able to help the healing process of children with stuttering.

Treatments for children who stutter includes;

• Speech therapy
• CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy
• Parent and child interaction
• Breathing techniques, relaxation techniques
• Electronic devices that can help your child practice so they can speak more fluently. Apart from that, it can also use stimulation of the brain to help communicate

Complications

Stuttering can continue after a child is more than 5 years old. This will cause children to have difficulty speaking. Furthermore, stuttering can cause complications in the form of social anxiety and general anxiety in people who experience it.

If you have family or someone close to you who stutters, it is very important to let them speak at their pace and in their way. Trying to rush them into talking will only make it more difficult for them to finish speaking. This is because stress or pressure can cause the stuttering condition to worsen.

Prevention

Avoid risk factors to prevent stuttering.

When to See a Doctor?

Visit your doctor if you are worried about your child's developmental condition, including if your child stutters. Early detection and treatment of children with severe stuttering is important. Pay attention to several signs, such as:

• Stuttering becomes more frequent and gets worse over time
• Stuttering occurs along with body or facial movements
• Talking is something that is difficult to do
• Avoid conditions that require the child to talk
• Vocal tension that produces a rising pitch when the child speaks
• Stuttering that persists after the child is 5 years old
• Pay attention if your child experiences severe stuttering symptoms, early diagnosis and treatment can help children speak better

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• Stuttering becomes more frequent and worsening over time,
• Stuttering occurs in conjunction with body or facial movements,
• Speaking becomes something difficult to do,
• Avoiding conditions that require children to talk,
• The vocal tension that produces a rising tone as children speak,
• The grip continues after the child is 5 years old.
• Pay attention if your child experiences severe stuttering symptoms. Enforcement of diagnosis and treatment from an early age can help your child to speak better.