Reasons for Stuttering

Stuttering is a type of speech disorder that is characterized by the interruption of the standard flow of talking, in the form of excessive repetition, unusual stoppage or extended syllables or sounds. The communication disorder can also cause abnormal motions of the body or the face to occur. Several causes are associated with the disorder, which can be a chronic condition.

Developmental

• The National Institute of Deafness states that stuttering can arise during the time period in which a young child is starting to develop language skills (between the ages of 2 and 8 years old). At that young age, it is common for children to stutter as a method of keeping up with the brain's desire to communicate, even though the speaking skills are not fully developed. However, the majority of children stop stuttering after a few years.

Hereditary

• According to the Mayo Clinic, stuttering can be a hereditary condition. Many adults that stutter have siblings, grandparents and parents that also stutter when they speak.

Environment

• Apart from simply being a possible genetic condition, stuttering can also occur due to the dynamics and expectations of a family or social environment. Children that are brought up in rapidly paced environments that encourage high expectations in life (whether academic, social or otherwise) are often prone to experiencing stuttering, according to the Stuttering Foundation.

Neurogenics

• The Mayo Clinic finds that stuttering can also happen due to problems with signaling between the muscles that are responsible for speaking and the brain. The brain loses the capability to manage all of the necessary components of speech as a result of the signaling issues.This type of stuttering is possible right after a person has experienced injuries to the brain, trauma to the head or stroke, and is therefore commonly referred to as "neurogenic stuttering."