It is common to see young children stutter as they are developing their language abilities. It is uncommon to see adults develop a stutter out of the blue, but it does happen. Referred to as acquired or late onset stuttering, it can develop for multiple reasons.
1. Neurogenic Stuttering
This is the most common form of stuttering found in adults. This is caused by a traumatic event such as a stroke or other brain injury. After this injury a speech disorder may be present for just a few hours or can go on for a longer period. No matter how long the disorder is present, it is important to see a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). This therapy can help you to understand what is happening and how to work to find a solution.
2. Drug-Related Stuttering
A speech disorder is a possible side effect or reaction to a prescribed medication. If this occurs you should contact your doctor immediately and stop taking the medication. Your doctor can switch the medication or change the dosage to relieve the side effects. It is not as serious as other causes because in almost all cases the stuttering stops when the medication is changed.
3. Stress-Related Stuttering
Serious stress caused by financial problems, loss of a relationship or other unexpected emotional changes can trigger a speech disorder. Things such as a car crash can also be a cause, but the speech disorder could be coming from the stress or an injury to the brain. Meeting with an SLP can determine the exact cause and can work with you to alleviate the stress. In most cases, once the stress is gone, the speech disorder will begin to resolve on its own.
4. Stuttering From Childhood Can Reoccur
Developmental stuttering is common in children between the ages of two and six, but the child will most likely outgrow it or saw an SLP to resolve it. Later on in life this stutter can come back unexpectedly. You may not remember ever having a stutter as a child, or it is common that many people who grew up with a stutter avoid their problem words. You have spoken the same for so long and some added pressure or other reason could make the stutter reappear. Meeting with an SLP can help you identify your problem words and help you to improve your speech.
5. Idiopathic Stuttering
This type of stuttering is caused by an unknown reason and doesn’t qualify in any of the other reasons listed above. Even though there is no identifiable cause, you can still receive help from an SLP. This therapy will help you to identify your problem and improve your speech with the possibility of full recovery.
How Can SpeechEasy Help?
All types of stuttering can become present from multiple reasons. Genetics and outside factors can all play a role in developing a stutter. Each kind of stuttering can be diagnosed by an SLP, and the right therapy can be administered to find a resolution. Speech therapy can not only help to resolve the speech disorder, but also improve the person’s self-esteem. Along with therapy, a anti-stuttering device from Speech Easy can help. To learn more about Speech Easy anti-stuttering devices, visit us online or call to schedule an appointment today.
