• Repetition of syllables or words (e.g., “I…I…I…want to go to the beach”).
• Prolongation of sounds (e.g., “I want to go to the bea—ch”).
• Sudden pauses or blocks in speech (e.g., “I want to go to the bea -ch”).
• Secondary behaviors: Physical actions due to excessive tension (e.g., blinking or trembling hands/feet).

Common Symptoms of Stuttering:

Symptoms of Stuttering varies from person to person, but common signs include:

• Word avoidance: Deliberately avoiding words or phrases that may trigger stuttering.
• Use of filler words: Frequent use of “um,” “uh,” or similar words to mask pauses.
• Situation avoidance: Avoiding situations requiring speech, such as social gatherings or public speaking.
• Muscle tension during speech: Tightness in the lips, tongue, or other oral muscles.

If you notice these characteristics or symptoms of stuttering, it is recommended to seek a stuttering assessment and professional help as early as possible.

Causes of Stuttering?

• Genetic Factors
  Stuttering has a hereditary component, with children who have a family history of stuttering being more likely to be affected.
• Language Development
  Stuttering may emerge in children during the process of language acquisition and development.
• Neurodevelopmental Differences
  Variations in the brain’s processing of language and speech may contribute to stuttering symptoms.
• Environmental Factors and Psychological Stress
  Stress or anxiety triggered by speaking situations may exacerbate stuttering symptoms.

What is stuttering treatment like?

Stuttering treatment focuses on improving speech fluency and boosting confidence. Through specialized speech-language therapy, stuttering symptoms can be effectively mitigated, and communication proficiency significantly enhanced.

• Fluency Techniques: Patients learn to slow down their speech rate, regulate breathing, and reduce pauses and repetitions.
• Psychological Support: Mitigate anxiety associated with stuttering, thereby enhancing confidence in verbal communication.
• Real-World Practice: Through role-playing or practicing fluency techniques in real-life settings, patients can enhance their confidence in everyday verbal communication.

How can parents support a child with stuttering?

• Demonstrate attentive listening and maintain consistent eye contact without interrupting the child’s verbal expression.
• Avoid replicating the child’s stuttering patterns.
• Refrain from pressuring the child to hasten speech or repeat phrases.
• Pursue professional assessment and therapeutic guidance for stuttering management.

Why KK Speech Therapy (HK)？

• Trilingual Therapy Services: Our speech therapists are all bilingual and are able to deliver therapy fluently in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English to meet the needs of diverse linguistic backgrounds with utmost professionalism.
• Experienced and Trusted Speech Therapy Team: Our team has extensive expertise, successfully supporting numerous adults in improving language and swallowing abilities.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: We design tailored intervention strategies based on each client’s unique needs and circumstances.
• Ongoing Progress Monitoring and Adjustments: We regularly assess treatment outcomes and adapt strategies to ensure therapeutic goals are met.
• Supportive Family Program: We empower family members to become the most effective supporters of stroke patients as well as effective advocates for their child’s language and social development.

關於口吃的常見問題

• 口吃可以完全根治嗎?

如果孩童在六歲前干預，口吃是可以完全根治的。而對於六歲以上的孩子及成人，口吃可能沒有辦法完全根治，但是可以透過學習使用流暢技巧以減低口吃的嚴重程度及頻率。

• 口吃會隨著年齡自動消失嗎？

部分兒童的口吃可能隨著語言發展而減輕，但若症狀持續或加重，早期干預至關重要。