Genetics and Child Development

• If you stutter, it is very likely that it runs in your family and is genetically predetermined. According to The Stuttering Foundation, 60 percent of people who stutter have a family member who also stutters. Young children who are just learning to speak may experience developmental stuttering. They may want to express themselves verbally without having adequate speech and language abilities to do so. Kids often outgrow this type of stuttering, but if they are past age 5 or have been stuttering longer than six months, professional help may be needed.
  
  

Neurological Difficulties and Family Dynamics

• If your speech muscles, nerves and brain aren't working together properly, you may experience difficulties in processing language. This type of stuttering, referred to as neurogenetic stuttering, can be triggered by a stroke, brain injury or head trauma. High expectations by family members or by yourself can also bring on stuttering. While some people fluently speak in high-pressure situations, such as interviews or speaking engagements, others may start stuttering.
  
  

Speech Therapy and Parental Involvement

• A treatment to help with stuttering involves speech therapy, which focuses on the mechanics of speech and also addresses the anxiety that stutterers may experience when having to speak. The therapy helps regulate the breathing and slows down the speech. Speech therapy helps you reach a natural speech rate. Parents can help a child by getting him to speak more slowly while giving him plenty of time to finish his sentences. Praising him when he speaks fluently is essential.
  
  

Electronic Devices

• There are electronic devices that can help with stuttering. A hearing aide type of device is placed into the ears. When the stutterer speaks, it sound as though he is speaking in unison with another person, which may reduce stuttering. Another device makes the speech sound distorted if spoken too fast. It forces the speaker to slow down and speak normally.
  
  

Group Support

• Find support groups where other stutterers meet to share their experiences. Even though this is not a cure for stuttering, these self-help groups can provide information, resources and support to combat the speech disorder.