Many speech problems may occur, from the child speaking indistinctly, to repetition of the same syllable, or to speech being delayed. Often overprotective parents may unconsciously retard their child’s speech ability by pursuing baby talk as their method of communication. This is no fault of the baby. Stuttering or stammering (in which certain words or syllables are compulsively repeated or there is a complete blockage of certain words) are almost always nervous in origin. There is usually nothing anatomically or physiologically wrong with the speech mechanism; it is simply because of tension and stress at the subconscious level.
Occasionally there may be a question of normal mental development, but this can usually be quickly evaluated. In most cases, this is not the cause. A changed attitude by the parents and their efforts at helping the child speak normally often helps, with avoidance of baby talk as the child gets older. Stuttering often starts in the 3-6 age group when the child is often subjected to emotional stresses or tensions.
Like most other anxiety-induced symptoms, eliminating the cause, as much as possible, as early as possible, is the ideal. Special anxiety-producing situations and circumstances must be carefully sought out. It may take time to do this, for situations that are of little importance to a parent may be major to a child. A sense of being wanted, of security, warmth and affection, is important. Instilling confidence into the little person, reducing fears and dreads and removing frightening situations all assist. Stuttering and stammering in the older child and adult are often very difficult to treat. In recent years, considerable success has been achieved in older children with the use of medical hypnotherapy. This again indicates the emotional nature of the disability.
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