Stuttering is a speech disorder that affects fluency, often leading to repetitions, prolongations, or blocks in speech. Many South Africans experience stuttering at some point, with childhood stuttering often improving with age. However, when it persists, professional speech therapy can help individuals speak more confidently and comfortably.
Stuttering is influenced by factors such as genetics, neurological processing, and environmental stressors. While it’s not caused by anxiety, speaking situations can make it more noticeable. People who stutter may experience frustration, social withdrawal, or difficulty expressing themselves fully.
At Laura Cramb Speech Therapy, we use evidence-based techniques to improve fluency and reduce communication anxiety. Strategies such as breath control, slow speech exercises, and desensitisation training help individuals manage their speech patterns effectively.
Support from family and educators is crucial. Encouraging patience and active listening reduces pressure on the individual and promotes confidence. Stuttering should never limit a person’s ability to connect, express thoughts, or achieve their personal and professional goals.
With tailored intervention and a supportive environment, fluency challenges can be managed, allowing individuals to speak with greater ease and assurance in any setting.
