Stuttering: The Role Of Neuro-Metabolite Alterations Across The Brain To Developmental Speech Problem

Speech problems are commonly seen in young children and these could cause trouble for children, if not corrected. Stuttering is one of them and it has been a general concept that stuttering is due to the children getting nervous and not being able to comprehend what's going around them.

Studies have shown that stuttering is actually connected with the changes in the speech and language-based brain circuits. According to News Medical, a research team, who was led by CHLA's Institute for the Developing Mind director and University of Southern California-Keck School of Medicine's Child and Adolescent Psychiatry director and professor Bradley S. Peterson, has found out that stuttering is actually an alteration in the brain's language and speech circuits.

A new type of imaging called MRS ( magnetic resonance spectroscopy) was conducted by the team of researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). The results showed that stuttering children had different images with changes in speech circuits of the brain, which are related to the regulation of attention and focus.

Neurological experts also say that stuttering can get worse with anxieties and stress as they trigger more changes in the brain and affect the areas linked to speech and language. Despite all the findings, speech therapies had always been suggested to patients who stutter.

Meanwhile, the University of Utah Healthcare helps in distinguishing true stuttering and stammering. A neurological expert explains that when a child learns to speak, repetition and stuttering is normal.

When the stuttering, however, lasts longer than usual, it's the real problem. Due to the links of brain circuits of speech with stuttering, it is important for parents to help children to relax and stay calm, in addition to therapeutic treatments. When children can't think properly, they are unable to comprehend so they become nervous and stutter more.

Regular meetings with a speech therapist can help a child a lot. It is also important that a right therapy is provided to the child as it can further help in his social and academic well-being. Without a speech help or therapeutic treatment, stuttering could get worse.