Many frequently ask “is stuttering a disability?” The CDC defines a disability as any condition of the body or mind that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities and interact with the world around them. Stuttering is classified as a neurological disability stemming from an underlying brain abnormality, which results in speech disfluency. Individuals developing stutter may be a result of a wide variety of triggers. SpeechEasy offers four delayed auditory feedback devices to help those who may be struggling with this disorder.
Types of Stuttering
The most common stuttering is known as childhood-onset fluency disorder which affects between 5-10% of children. This disorder is characterized by a disruption in the timing and flow of speech that is inappropriate for the child’s age. Only about 1% of adults have a child-onset fluency disorder, many individuals may develop stuttering from neurological and psychological issues. A form of stuttering classified as neurogenic stuttering develops after brain damage, such as a stroke or head trauma. Another form of stutter is stemmed from a psychological disorder and is classified as psychogenic stuttering.
Common Symptoms of Stuttering
- Repetition of sounds, syllables, or word
- Monosyllabic phrases and syllables
- Prolonging a word or sounds
- Broken sentences/ pauses
- Word replacement to exclude troublesome words
- Speech-related frustration or anxiety
The DSM-5 indicates that symptoms may fluctuate depending on the activity. Behavioral-induced factors including stress, anxiety, or a self-consciousness-related mood might make the speech disfluency worse. Motor movements including rapid eye blink, tics, shaking of the lips or face, head jerks, and clenching fists can also accompany symptoms.
Delayed Auditory Feedback Device
Delayed auditory feedback is used to spread out the time of speaking and auditory perception, which is a useful way to reduce stutter. An auditory feedback device allows you to speak normally due to the delayed auditory response. SpeechEasy offers devices to aid individuals that struggle with stuttering.
Developing Stutter | Speech Easy
Is stuttering a disability? Absolutely. Shuttering is a neurological disability that affects speech. A delayed auditory device can be a powerful tool to help you reduce or eliminate your developing stutter. At SpeechEasy, we offer four auditory feedback devices designed to get rid of your stutter. Visit our website to learn more about our technology, or contact us to speak to a specialist.