Stuttering

Stuttering is a speech disorder rather than a language disorder. The cause of stuttering is unclear but likely involves brain functions that coordinate speech movements. In stuttering, ideas, meanings, and grammar remain present while speech does not come out fluently. Stuttering involves difficulty in speech production and coordinated vocal-tract control. Changing auditory feedback can alter how much a person stutters, which suggests interaction between speech-production and auditory-hearing systems. Some stuttering involves difficulty initiating an initial vowel or consonant. Anxiety can provoke or worsen stuttering, but it is not the root cause. Stuttering is typically treated through speech therapy rather than brain surgery.