Stuttering is a communication disorder that is characterized by disruptions in the forward flow of speech. These disruptions are often called disfluencies. Disfluencies include repetitions of sounds, syllables, and words; blocks, where speech is completely stopped and no sound comes out; and prolongations, where the sound is elongated or stretched for some period of time. In addition to the disfluencies, there are frequently attitudes and feelings associated with the disorder that can also negatively affect communication.

Stuttering most often begins between the ages of two and a half and five years of age. About 75 percent of children who begin to stutter will recover without intervention. More males than females persist with stuttering. The cause of stuttering is unknown. Accurate diagnosis of stuttering requires the skills of a certified speech-language pathologist.

NUCASLL offers evaluation and treatment of stuttering in preschool children through adults. Treatment is determined by the needs of the client. Therapy is multifaceted, targeting all aspects of the disorder, including education about stuttering and the normal talking process, techniques to produce more fluent speech, techniques to manage moments of stuttering, and activities to maintain a healthy attitude towards communication.

NUCASLL provides comprehensive evaluation and therapy services on the Evanston campus. Diagnostic evaluations determine the course of treatment, including frequency and appropriateness of individual and/or group therapy.

Additional Information:
www.westutter.org
www.asha.org
www.stutteringhelp.org