Stuttering mostly occurs between the ages of 2-6

Stating that stuttering mostly occurs between the ages of 2-6, when language and speech skills develop rapidly in childhood, Dr. Faculty Member Aşena Karamete emphasized the importance of early intervention in stuttering. Noting that stuttering is not a disease but a neuro-diversity, Karamete said, “There are cases where stuttering completely disappears especially in childhood due to the plastic structure of the brain. It is known that language and speech therapies can contribute positively to this process in early intervention.”

Istanbul Atlas University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Speech and Language Therapy, Dr. Faculty Member Aşena Karamete made an evaluation about stuttering.

Stating that stuttering is a complex fluency disorder that occurs when many factors come together, Karamete said, “Genetic predisposition, neurological differences and environmental factors can be counted among the main causes of stuttering. Differences in the functioning of the brain's speech control mechanisms can also cause stuttering to occur.”

Mostly seen between the ages of 2-6

Stating that stuttering mostly occurs in childhood, Karamete said, “In childhood, it is seen that stuttering occurs between the ages of 2-6, when language and speech skills develop rapidly. Stuttering may also start in adolescence or adulthood, but this is a rare condition.”

Stuttering is a neurodiversity

Stating that stuttering is not a disease, Karamete said, “Stuttering is not a condition that can be fully treated, because it is not a disease but a neurodiversity. However, there are cases where stuttering completely disappears in the natural process, especially in childhood due to the plastic structure of the brain. It is known that speech and language therapies can contribute positively to this process in early intervention.”

Effective therapy methods can make speech more fluent

Noting that the individual's ability to manage stuttering is improved in stuttering therapy, Karamete said, “The goal in therapy is to enable the person to communicate more comfortably and effectively by reducing the negative emotional and social effects of stuttering, rather than completely eliminating stuttering. With therapies, the individual's stuttering management skills improve and the difficulties experienced in the process of self-expression can be minimized. Many individuals living with stuttering can make their speech more fluent thanks to effective therapy methods. During the therapy process, the individual's motivation, regular participation in therapy and the expertise of the therapist are of great importance.”

The stutterer's speech should be listened to without interruption

Emphasizing that the society's approach to individuals who stutter is extremely important to make them feel more comfortable, Karamete said, “When you encounter stuttering, it is necessary to be patient, listen to their speech without interrupting them and not try to correct them. On World Stuttering Awareness Day, raising awareness to increase social awareness and understanding of stuttering will contribute to improving the quality of life of individuals who stutter.”

Prof. Dr. Faculty Member Aşena Karamete added that the therapy of stuttering and other fluency disorders is carried out by competent and experienced therapists in the Atlas University Speech and Language Therapy clinic.