Causes of Stuttering are multi-factorial and include certain genetic and neurophysiology factors that are thought to contribute to its emergence. Although acquired neurogenic and psychogenic stuttering are not covered here, they may exist in rare cases in children. It is presumed that each child who stutters develops stuttering as a result of his or her own unique factors. Theories regarding the onset of stuttering are diverse.
Despite popular beliefs, emotional problems and parenting style do not cause stuttering. However, coping with stuttering can result in significant emotional reactions and avoidance behaviour. Specifically, emotional reactivity/regulation and behavioural dis-inhibition have been found to be associated with stuttering and may affect the child's ability to cope with disfluencies.
Furthermore, although not considered a cause of stuttering, environmental factors may exacerbate.Dis-fluency. These factors can include family dynamics, fast-paced lifestyle, stress and anxiety, and the child's temperament indicates that "children who develop stuttering (as a group) are not characterized by temperamental traits such as shyness, social anxiety, or general anxiety"
While genetics and neurophysiology appear to be related to the underlying causes of stuttering, environmental factors, temperament, and speaking demands may influence a child's reactions to stuttering.
Should We Call Stammering / Stuttering a "Disabilitydz?
Many PWS (People Who Stutter) dislike being called "handicapped" or "disabled." Of course, we know that stuttering need not be a handicap. But the purpose of these laws is to protect us from discrimination by people who aren't so enlightened.
To qualify for legal protection, we must therefore be open and "up front" about our stuttering. Te worst mistake would be to try to hide your stuttering in a way that truly interferes with your job performance (such as by not talking, avoiding the phone, etc.). This might give the employer a legitimate excuse for firing you - even if Stuttering Itself Wouldn't Be.
Stammering Is Like An "Iceberg"
Most people who stammer agree that there is much more going On "Under The Surface" for them than other people Realise. An American Speech Therapist called Sheehan, who himself stammered, described stammering as being like an Iceberg. Only the tip of the iceberg shows above the surface while the bulk of it is hidden under the water.
The hidden aspects of the stammer include avoidances of Fear and Anticipation of Stammering, and Other Difficult - Often Strong feelings about stammering such as Frustration, Anger, Sadness, Embarrassment, and Shame.
Environmental Factors That Affect Stammering
A child or adult who stammers may become more non fluent when increased demands are made of the person in speaking situations, when the person has high expectations of him or herself in certain situations and with certain people (e.g. speaking on the telephone, at an interview) or when a specific response is needed (e.g. saying one's name, address or phone number, having to use particular words). On the other hand, in some people this stress actually increases fluency.
Linguistic Factors:
Children or adults who stammers do so on words which carry information and when using complex words of several syllables. They tend to stammer more at the start of sentences.
Physical Factors:
Sometimes it is more difficult for people who stammer to speak fluently, for example when they are feeling ill, stressed, tired, excited, or upset.
Psychological Factors:
People who stammer may become more non fluent depending on: their feelings about their speech; their perceptions of themselves as effective communicators; and others' reactions to their stammering.
People Who Stammer Are Normally Fluent When Speaking In Chorus, Singing or Whispering.