Experts, stating that stuttering is considered a symptom, not a disease, point to the importance of early intervention in stuttering. Experts emphasize that competent therapists working in the field of stuttering guide the individual and, especially when it comes to the early period, the child's family, stressing that stuttering can be managed with proper communication.
Every year, October 22 is observed as World Stuttering Day to draw attention to stuttering and provide accurate information on the subject.
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences Head of the Department of Speech and Language Therapy, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Konrot, made evaluations regarding stuttering.
Stuttering Affects with Its Psychological Dimension
Stating that stuttering is a symptom, not a disease, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Konrot drew attention to the relationship between stuttering and the psychological dimension, saying:
“When we look at the literature, we see that stuttering is considered a symptom, not a disease. Although families tend to explain the onset of stuttering behaviors with a specific traumatic event, such as fear, there is no research proving that stuttering arises as a result of psychological trauma. If that were the case, most children who experience fear and similar psychological trauma should develop stuttering behavior. However, saying this does not mean that there is no relationship between stuttering and the psychological dimension. The persistent continuation of stuttering into later ages will negatively affect the psychology of the affected person. For example, situations such as a student who is bothered by stuttering not raising their hand in class even though they know the answer, or avoiding interacting with people by speaking, more clearly demonstrate the direction of the relationship between stuttering and the psychological dimension.”
Stuttering Most Commonly Appears Between Ages 2-5
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Konrot stated that 98% of stuttering cases are observed before the age of 10 in DSM classification, adding, “Generally, stuttering appears in the early period of rapid development, between the ages of 2-5. Its occurrence in later ages (adolescence-adulthood) is a very rare event.”
Stuttering Can Appear in Later Ages
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Konrot stated that stuttering behaviors appearing in later ages can be discussed in two groups, saying, “In the first group, three possibilities can be mentioned. The first possibility is stuttering behaviors that appear in later periods despite originating in the early period. In some cases, there is also the possibility of stuttering behaviors observed in the early period, which passed with therapy or spontaneously and are no longer noticed, reappearing in later ages. Another possibility is that individuals who have learned to “internalize” or suppress stuttering behaviors may fail to conceal them under stress.”
Dysfunctions in the Brain Can Lead to Stuttering
Konrot stated, “In the second group, there are cases of acquired stuttering observed in situations such as head trauma, stroke, degeneration of the central nervous system, brain tumor, brain surgery, and functional disorders in the brain caused by medication.”
Early-Onset Stuttering Can Resolve Spontaneously
Pointing to the importance of early intervention in stuttering, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Konrot warned, “Research indicates that developmental (early-onset) stuttering can resolve spontaneously within six months to two years from its onset. However, if no intervention is made for the management of stuttering in the early period, there is a high probability that stuttering will develop into a persistent form and continue into later ages. The earlier stuttering is intervened, the quicker results are obtained. However, it should not be forgotten that this is possible with the recommendations and guidance of speech and language therapists who are knowledgeable in the field of stuttering and have clinical experience. Cases of stuttering that are not properly managed have a high probability of turning into chronic stuttering.”
Stuttering Therapy is Important
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Konrot noted that it is possible to cope with stuttering by taking certain precautions, highlighting the importance of stuttering therapy and stating:
“Since stuttering is not a disease, I believe it is not entirely accurate to speak of ‘treatment.’ In my opinion, competent therapists working in the field of stuttering guide the individual and, especially when it comes to the early period, the child's family, showing them how to cope with and manage this problem in their daily lives, in their natural environment. Stuttering therapy is a process of generating individualized solutions and recommendations for the individual themselves, as well as for the child’s family and primary caregivers. Therefore, even if the problem is the same, since its effects will differ for each child and family, the therapy process must be individualized for the person/family.”
Management of Stuttering is Not Impossible
“Stuttering is not destiny,” said Prof. Dr. Ahmet Konrot, adding, “Depending on how you approach the situation, when handled timely and appropriately, there is a possibility for it to be managed. Its management and solution often require a difficult process, but it is not impossible.”