There are many myths about stuttering. Can you work out fact from fiction?

Myth - People who stutter are not as clever as others.
Reality - Incorrect. There is no link whatsoever between stuttering and intelligence22.

Myth - Stuttering is a normal part of a child's speech development.
Reality - Incorrect. Stuttering is a speech disorder. It is not considered to be part of normal speech development6.

Myth - Stuttering is caused by bad parenting.
Reality - Incorrect. Stuttering is definitely not caused by poor parenting skills. Research has shown that family inheritance and lack of speech co-ordination of are most likely to cause stuttering30.

Myth - Listening to a parent or sibling who stutters can cause a young child to stutter.
Reality - Incorrect. Listening to others who stutter does not cause stuttering22.

Myth - It helps to tell a person who stutters to "take a deep breath" before talking.
Reality - Incorrect. This could make a person feel more self-conscious about their stuttering, and actually make it worse22.

Myth - People will grow out of stuttering.
Reality - Incorrect. Teenagers are unlikely to grow out of their stuttering. Some young children will stop stuttering within 12 months, but as a teenager or adult this is extremely unlikely18.

Myth - It's best to ignore stuttering completely.
Reality - Incorrect. People who stutter know they have a speech problem. Rather than pretending it doesn't exist, it's best to get advice and help from a Speech Pathologist22.

Myth - People who stutter are nervous and shy.
Reality - Incorrect. Some people who stutter may be nervous and shy, just as some people who don't stutter. People who stutter may be outgoing, friendly and talkative just the same as anyone else.

Myth - Treatment for stuttering is boring, slow and too hard.
Reality - Incorrect. Treatment should never be boring. Speech Pathologists aim to make treatment as enjoyable as possible. Some treatment may take time and be hard for some people; however it is successful if the person is willing to work at it.