Facts about Stuttering

Much of what we think that we know about stuttering is actually a myth. Many very successful people, like a recent top 10 performer on "American Idol," have severe stuttering problems. Can you give us some of these myths? - Want Facts
Answer: Here with help from The Stuttering Foundation is a list of facts to counter the myths about stuttering. You can learn more about stuttering by visiting the organization's website at www.stutteringhelp.org or by calling 800-992-9392.
Myth: People who stutter are not smart.
Reality: There is no link whatsoever between stuttering and intelligence.
Myth: Nervousness causes stuttering.
Reality: Nervousness does not cause stuttering. Or should we assume that people who stutter are prone to be nervous, fearful, anxious or shy? They have the same full range of personality traits as those who do not stutter.
Myth: Stuttering can be "caught" through imitation or by hearing another person stutter.
Reality: You can't "catch" stuttering. No one knows the exact causes of stuttering, but recent research indicates that family history (genetics), neuromuscular development, and the child's environment, including family dynamics, all play a role in the onset of stuttering.
Myth: It helps to tell a person to "take a deep breath before talking" or "think about what you want to say first."
Reality: This advice only makes a person more self-conscious, making the stuttering worse. More helpful responses include listening patiently and modeling slow and clear speech yourself.
Myth: Stress causes stuttering.
Reality: As mentioned above, many complex factors are involved. Stress is not the cause, but it certainly can aggravate stuttering.