Stuttering is a common speech trouble that is often mocked by many unpleasant individuals, even though many people stutter due to extreme intelligence. Whatever the cause of a stutter, some may find that they need help to manage it to avoid lifelong self-esteem issues. Thankfully, a speech pathologist can help these individuals speak clearly and fluently with minimal issues. 

Stuttering Is a Troubling Problem for Many Children

Stuttering is referred to as a fluency problem in speech pathology, as it occurs when an individual cannot express certain sounds or words quickly enough. They'll often repeat certain sounds and words, waiting for their mouth to catch up to where their brain has already taken them. And while stuttering is something some people get over at a young age, it may remain persistent with other people.

Unfortunately, stuttering is something that can make a child feel very uncomfortable and affect their confidence, even if they have supportive family members and friends. And without the proper attention to their articulation and fluency, some children may grow into adulthood with a stutter and feel a lack of confidence that could be improved. Speech pathology and therapy helps to manage this problem for those who experience it.

How Speech Pathology Helps

Speech pathology includes a variety of different treatments and care methods that can help those who struggle with a persistent stutter. For instance, these professionals can diagnose why a person struggles with proper fluency, including struggling to pronounce certain words or trying to speak too fast. Often, they can teach coping mechanisms that make it easier for those with this problem to speak fluently. For instance, speaking exercises force those with a stutter to slow down and pronounce certain sounds and words that they may struggle with otherwise. And as they practice these sounds, they are likely to become more confident saying them because they'll begin building both muscle memory and memory of the way to articulate these sounds without tripping up on them in faster-paced speaking situations.

This type of therapy is something that may take some time to get fully right. Some people may experience a big "aha!" moment during treatment and suddenly stop stuttering. Others may need more persistent care that helps them cope with these problems. Whatever their needs, good speech pathology should help them to learn more about how they talk and handle the issues that their stuttering causes.

Make an appointment with a speech pathology clinic, such as Eastern Carolina Ear Nose & Throat-Head, to get the help you need.