Stuttering or stammering, is a communication disorder where people experience interruptions to speech, including repeating sounds and words, prolonging sounds or having 'blocks' or silences when trying to speak. Associated behaviours such as unusual body gestures or facial expressions are also sometimes evident due to the person's effort to overcome stuttering to produce speech or sounds.
Symptoms and characteristics
Stuttering can be mild, moderate or severe, and can even vary within the same person from one day to the next.
The symptoms of stuttering vary widely between persons, but can include:
- hesitation, as if the next word is ‘stuck’
- repeating sounds, syllables or words such as ‘I-I-I think’ or ‘where-where-where is it?’
- prolonging sounds, such as ‘mmmm-mine’.
Persons who stutter may often experience significant anxiety in social situations.
Workplace adjustments and solutions
For people with a stutter which impacts on their capacity to communicate confidently or clearly, the following can be considered within the workplace:
- locating a suitable job match, such as a job that requires minimal verbal communication with others for people who get anxious when speaking
- flexibility regarding work hours, particularly if the stuttering occurs more at particular times of the day or when particularly tired
- the availability of alternative communication options such as email, msn messaging or text messaging
- allowing sufficient preparation time for verbal presentations
- an understanding and supportive work environment.
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Australian Speak Easy Association (no date specified), Stuttering, Australian Speak Easy Association, Sydney, viewed 13 November 2011, http://www.speakeasy.org.au/stuttering.html.
Better Health Channel 2011, Stuttering, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 13 November 2011, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Stuttering?open.
MDA Internet 1991-2010, Stuttering, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 13 November 2011, http://www.mdguidelines.com/.
Youthspeak 2003, Frequently Asked Questions, Australian Speak Easy Association, Melbourne, viewed 13 November 2011, http://www.youthsspeak.com.au/help/faq.htm.