Facts/Myths about stuttering
True or false: People stutter because they are nervous. Explain why.
False. Nervousness may worsen stuttering but does not cause it.
What is stuttering?
Stuttering is a communication disorder involving disruptions in a person’s speech
How many people in the world stutter?
70 million
Stuttering is the same every day, in every situation.
False. Stuttering can change from day to day and be better or worse depending on the situation or who you are talking to.
True or false: Stuttering is caused by bad parenting. Explain why.
False. Stress related to parenting may affect stuttering but does not cause it.
What is the cause of stuttering?
There is not a known cause, but there is likely some kind of genetic link. There are also known risk factors for stuttering.
What is the ratio of boys to girls who stutter?
4:1
Stuttering is only about bumpy speech, or disfluencies.
False. Stuttering includes disfluencies, but can also create tension in your body and affects how you feel about yourself.
True or false: There is no cure for stuttering. Explain.
True. Although there are strategies to manage stuttering, there is no known cure for stuttering.
Is stuttering contagious?
NO. You cannot catch stuttering form PWS.
At what age do children typically begin stuttering?
Between 2-5 years old
It’s okay to stutter.
True
True or False: Stuttering happens more in boys than girls.
True
What are some risk factors for stuttering?
Being a male
Someone in the family stutters
Age you start stuttering
Other speech and language concerns
What percentage of children will stutter at some point in their life?
5-10%
A greater percentage of adults stutter than children. True or False?
False. 1% of adults stutter while 3% of children stutter.
True or false: If you speak more than one language, you will only stutter in your first language. Explain.
False: People who stutter will stutter in whatever language they speak, although how much they stutter will vary.
What are the three types of stuttering that can occur when a person who stutters speaks?
repetitions, blocks, and prolongations.
How many Americans stutter?
3 million
Telling a PWS to slow down or say it again is a good way to help them get through a moment of stuttering. True or False?
False. Telling a PWS to slow down or say it again doesn't help them. It only adds more stress to the PWS if they are still trying to say the word.