1
Stuttering does affect a person's intelligence or ability.
FALSE
Stuttering has no connection to intelligence. People who stutter have the same range of intelligence and abilities as anyone else.
Females are more likely to stutter than males.
FALSE
Males are more likely to stutter than females.
TRUE
Boys are 2 to 3 times more likely to stutter than girls. For boys, stuttering is also more likely to continue when they grow up.
Stuttering typically begins in childhood.
TRUE
Developmental stuttering often starts between ages 2 and 5 when children are quickly learning language skills.
You can "catch" stuttering from hearing another person stutter.
FALSE
Stuttering is not contagious. It happens because of a mix of factors, like genetics, brain function, and how muscles for speaking develop.
Stuttering is caused by nervousness, stress, or anxiety.
FALSE
Stuttering is a condition related to the brain and body. Anxiety or stress might make it worse, but they do not cause stuttering.
Stuttering can involve repetitions, prolongations, and blocks.
TRUE
Stuttering can involve repeating sounds (like "b-b-ball"), stretching sounds (like "ssssnake"), or having a silent block where no sound comes out.
People who stutter can speak fluently when they sing or whisper.
TRUE
Most people who stutter can speak smoothly when they sing, whisper, talk at the same time as someone else, or speak to a pet. This shows that stuttering is more about how speech is made, not about thinking of the words.
Stuttering can develop later in life due to a stroke, brain injury, or other neurological conditions.
TRUE
Most stuttering starts in childhood, but adults can begin stuttering after a stroke, brain injury, or diseases that affect speech areas in the brain.
Telling a person who stutters to "slow down," "take a deep breath," or "just relax" will help them.
FALSE
Telling someone not to stutter can actually make them feel more nervous and might make the stuttering worse.
Stuttering is a speech disorder related to the brain and can be inherited from family.
TRUE
Research shows that stuttering is linked to how the brain handles speech and language, and it often happens in families.
Stuttering is only about "b-b-blocks" or repeating sounds; it doesn't involve hidden feelings or tension.
FALSE
Stuttering can have hidden parts. It might make someone feel shy, embarrassed, or scared. This can cause them to avoid speaking or change words to feel more comfortable.
Stuttering is caused by emotional trauma, bad parenting, or a difficult childhood.
FALSE
Research shows that stuttering isn't caused by how parents raise their children or by emotional events. It's a complex condition related to brain development, genetics, and how the brain handles speech.
Stuttering affects about 1% of the world's adult population.
TRUE
Around 5% of children experience stuttering, but for those who continue to stutter, about 1 in 100 adults worldwide are affected.
Most children who stutter will definitely outgrow it without any help.
FALSE
About 75% of young children who stutter will recover naturally. For the other 25%, it may continue into adulthood. Early help from a speech-language pathologist is important to assess risk and give support.
Speech therapy aims to "cure" stuttering in all adults and children.
FALSE
There is no proven cure for stuttering yet. Therapy helps by teaching ways to manage stuttering, reducing negative feelings, and building confidence in speaking.