Why do I have difficulty speaking?

Question

I don't know why or what it is, but I seem to have problems speaking clearly and pronouncing words. I also tend to stutter or stumble on a word too.

For example when today when I tried to say "The coffee is broken I'm afraid". But instead it kind of went like this, "The cloffee lis bike - broken I'm afraid".

Also often at times, I tend to mix words and letters up in a sentence such "Mig Bac" as "Big Mac".

In addition, I often have trouble organising and transferring the thoughts in my head into speech.

If it helps, I was diagnosed with Dyslexia and had a low Phonetic awareness score. But I feel there is something else, for example my overbite or that I poor tongue coordination or something.

Sometimes I often get out of breath when I say things too, but not sure what that's all about.

It's really annoying and is having a huge impact on my confidence, because I keep thinking that I'm stupid and people have often ridiculed me too.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi. Having a low phonetic awareness score is just part of the dyslexia assessment. I was thought to be dyslexic all the way through school and was finally tested at college. I am not dyslexic as I had a normal or higher than normal phonetic awareness score.



I have had problems with my speech over the last few years. I know what I want to say but what comes out is a jumble of noises. I believe that mine is due to being on high doses of opioid medication [including morphine], diazepam and tizanadine to reduce the spasticity in my muscles. This amount of medication messes with the brain's cognitive functioning; for example I also can't drive a car as both speech and driving need a high level of cognitive functioning.



Recently I had my medication cut but I still get the speech problem when I am nervous or anxious. It is a relatively common side effect of anxiety. Sometimes I practise what I need to say in my head but it can still come out with extra letters, syllables or words, inserted, removed or in the wrong order. The more you think about it the higher the occurrence.



I have just found out I am on the autistic spectrum which makes me anxious having to talk to people and the mistakes happen. Even with my closest friends they sometimes can't understand a word and they remind me to calm down and 'speak in English'. I do notice that I need to slow my breathing down as the anxiety does make you hyperventilate which you may not notice until you try to speak.



This have nothing to do with an overbite or poor tongue co-ordination. If you've had the problem since childhood then seeing a Speech and Language Therapist is a good idea. Make an appointment and see your GP and you will either get a referral to the Speech and Language Therapist or treatment for anxiety. Relaxation techniques can help you relax and learn how to slow your breathing down.



Community mental health teams run closed groups for people suffering from anxiety. They also run courses in the community. I attended a 10 week Stress Management Course, 2 hours a week, at my local further education college. It really did help me.



Best wishes and I hope you find the right treatment for you.



Autumn x

Answer 2

Read the brochure about cluttering on the web site for The Stuttering Foundation and see if that describes you. A speech therapist can help you work it out.

Answer 3

I would talk to a speech therapist