What is stuttering?

Stuttering is a communication disorder that involves abnormal disfluencies in speech, as well as behavioral and emotional reactions. Typical speech behaviors of stutterers include:

• Repetition of sounds (b-b-b-ball), syllables (mo-mo-mommy), parts of words (basket-basket-basketball), whole words, and phrases
• Prolongation, or stretching, of sounds or syllables (rrrrrrrrrrabbit)
• Tense pauses, hesitations, and/or no sound between words
• Interjections, such as “uh,” “um,” “like,” and “you know”

Most adolescent and adult stutterers have also developed behavioral reactions to their stuttering, such as:

• Avoiding eye contact
• Unusual facial or body movements that accompany speaking
• Irregular breathing patterns
• Avoiding certain sounds and words by substituting other words
• Avoiding situations associated with increased stuttering, such as phone calls or presentations
• Having negative feelings about stuttering and themselves -- including frustration, shame, fear, guilt, and anxiety -- that further reinforce stuttering if not addressed and corrected

What programs are available?

Therapy is provided on an individual basis, with sessions ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. All therapy is conducted by a licensed speech-language pathologist who is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is licensed in the state of North Carolina. Weekly home assignments are provided as necessary at no additional cost. Your insurance may cover treatment for stuttering, but if not, ask about other payment options.

Expectations for success

Success is measured differently by everyone. Goals of this program are to provide children, adolescents, and adults with strategies and tools to use in their everyday communication to facilitate more fluent speech. Home and community practice are essential for success, and the motivation to improve one’s own speech can be a significant factor.

What can I expect?

• A complete and thorough evaluation of frequency and type of stuttering patterns
• Discussion regarding communication situations that facilitate or do not facilitate fluent speaking
• Discussion regarding attitudes and emotions regarding stuttering behaviors
• Therapeutic recommendations regarding the need for further therapy or appropriate referrals to other professionals
• A personalized therapy plan with long- and short-term goals created by both clinician and patient

When should I seek therapy?

For a child, consider requesting an initial evaluation through your primary care provider, or independently, when:

• 3-10 percent or more of speech is disfluent, with repetitions of sounds, syllables, or short words and/or prolongations of sounds or “blocks”
• Repetitions and prolongations are accompanied by other movements such as eye blinking, looking to the side, and noticeable facial tension or grimacing
• The child is showing concern, frustration, or embarrassment about talking
• The disfluent behavior has persisted for six to eight weeks or has become more severe as time has passed

For an adolescent or adult, consider treatment if you have developed behavioral reactions to your stuttering, or if stuttering has a negative impact on you academically, socially, or professionally.

Who does the program benefit?

You can benefit from stuttering therapy if stuttering affects your ability to:

• Communicate effectively with family, friends, and colleagues
• Communicate effectively over the phone
• Be understood when speaking to others
• Feel confident while speaking with others

What are the benefits?

The benefits of participating in Duke’s stuttering program include:

• Increasing self-knowledge of patterns of stuttering
• Reducing frequency and severity of stuttering
• Decreasing tension and struggle when stuttering
• Reducing word and situation avoidance
• Improving attitudes about speaking in general
• Modifying stuttering behavior and overall communication

How do I schedule an evaluation?

To schedule an evaluation, please contact the Division of Speech Pathology and Audiology at 919-684-3859, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.