Fort Wayne

The National Stuttering Association (NSA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy for people who stutter and their families. Our mission is to create a supportive community through local chapters, public education, and advancing research in the field of stuttering. Learn more about us on our About Us page.

People who stutter (young and old!), as well as their families, are encouraged to attend. There is a variety of programming for people of all ages, as well as for family members. Additionally, we strongly encourage speech-language pathologists and speech-language pathology students to join us.

We used to consider you an NSA member only if you paid annual dues. That used to cover the cost of mailing our Letting Go newsletter and made the newsletter a “perk” of membership. Now that our publications are distributed mostly online, dropping the dues requirement enables us to be more inclusive. So people who participate in our programs can identify with the NSA as members whether or not they can contribute financially.

As an NSA supporter, you benefit from possible tax deductions, recognition as a contributor, and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping the NSA reach out to more people who stutter. Your support enables us to provide education, empowerment, and a sense of belonging to individuals who stutter and their families. Additionally, you gain access to exclusive events and resources that further our mission.

If participating in NSA activities has helped you, we hope you will “give back” to the extent you are able to contribute. Over the years, the NSA has grown because people came to us for support, gained self-confidence and strength through our programs, and were then empowered to reach out to others. Are you one of those people?

You can find information about NSA events and meetings on our Events page or by contacting your local chapter. We also post updates on our social media channels and mailing list.

The NSA offers various types of support, including local chapter meetings, online NSA Connects sessions, local events, and annual conferences. These resources provide a platform for individuals who stutter and their families to connect, share experiences, and find support. Find a chapter near you. Check out our upcoming events! There’s even more resources for adults who stutter online …and for families!

Joining the NSA community virtually is easy and offers many opportunities to connect with others who stutter. Here’s how: 1. **NSA Connects Sessions:** Participate in our online sessions tailored for different groups within the stuttering community, including LGBTQ+ members, young adults, older adults, parents, Spanish speakers, Arabic speakers, and more. Check our [upcoming events](https://westutter.org/events/) for session schedules. 2. **Virtual NSA Chapters:** Many local NSA Chapters offer virtual or hybrid meetings. Use our [chapter locator](https://westutter.org/chapters/locator/) to find and join a virtual chapter. Contact the Chapter Leader for details. 3. **Closed Facebook Groups:** Join our closed Facebook groups for specific communities within the NSA, such as NSA Older Adults who Stutter, NSA Teens, NSA Young Adults, and NSA Parents. 4. **Social Media:** Follow us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/westutter) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/westutter) for updates and to connect with the community. These platforms provide a supportive environment to share experiences, gain support, and build connections.

The NSA has lots of different resources online to help you learn more (and help others learn more too!) about stuttering. Check out our Understanding Stuttering page as a place to start when looking for information on stuttering. There’s lots to learn about what stuttering is, what causes stuttering, treatment options, and more!

Our network of local chapters are powerful spaces where you can connect directly with your local stuttering community. We have both Adult Chapters and Family Chapters — there really is something for everyone! Read more about NSA Chapters and plan to attend a meeting near you!

Our purpose is to provide information, advocacy and mutual support for people who stutter, their families, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Come join us and experience the NSA’s motto in action: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®.

You can find a local NSA chapter by using the chapter locator on our website. Simply enter your location to find the nearest chapter and contact details. Visit our Chapter Locator to find a chapter near you.

Your Chapter Leader may prepare a topic for the meeting or might open the floor for discussion and see where things go. Some chapters may also host social events outside of the traditional chapter meeting. The magic of the NSA is just being among other people who stutter, building connections, and having fun while doing it! NSA Chapters give people who stutter, their families and SLPs, a chance to connect and have fun-filled experiences together!

People who stutter (of all ages), their family and friends, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone with a special interest in stuttering are welcome at our chapters!

While you don’t need to RSVP before attending, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) before the meeting to let them know you’re coming. We love knowing who to look for at a meeting!

Some of our NSA local chapters are meeting virtually - you can join them from wherever you are! On our chapter locator page, search by meeting type and look for hybrid and virtual chapters! Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for information on joining their meeting.

Yes, the NSA provides a range of resources for parents, including educational materials, support groups, and workshops. These resources aim to help parents understand stuttering and support their children effectively. Check out our resources for parents on the Parents page. We also have a closed Facebook group specifically for parents!

Supporting a child who stutters involves understanding, patience, and providing the right resources. Here’s how you can help: 1. **Educate Yourself:** Learn about stuttering to better understand what your child is experiencing. Remember, stuttering is not caused by anything you or your child did wrong. 2. **Find a Speech Therapist:** Seek a speech therapist trained in stuttering to help your child manage their stuttering. The goal is effective communication, not necessarily fluency. 3. **Encourage Communication:** Encourage your child to keep talking and expressing themselves without focusing on fluency as a measure of success. 4. **Join the NSA Community:** Get involved with the NSA through local chapters, events, and the annual conference to find support and connect with others who understand your journey. Providing a supportive and understanding environment can make a significant difference in your child’s confidence and communication skills.

First, stuttering is not your fault. Please allow this to be reiterated: There is not a single piece of credible research suggesting that parents can cause stuttering. Period. Second, stuttering is not your child’s fault. There is no credible evidence suggesting that stuttering is caused by some type of character flaw or psychological weakness. While researchers cannot definitively cite the cause of developmental stuttering (or persistent developmental stuttering), research is pointing towards genetics and neurological processing errors as the likely causal culprits. Greg Snyder, Ph.D. There is an undeniable genetic component to stuttering. If you do stutter, you’re about three times more likely to have a relative who stutters. We also know that stuttering is not entirely genetic. Research is teaching us more and more about stuttering. Brain scans are beginning to shed some light on how the brains of people who stutter (PWS) differ from brains of people who don’t stutter; for example, while speech and language are processed almost exclusively in the left hemisphere for the vast majority of the population (somewhere around 95%), studies are showing that brains of PWS are far more likely to have speech and language processed in the right hemisphere, or distributed more evenly between the 2 hemispheres. Alas, this is not the case for all stuttering brains; and, we can’t say whether the unusual wiring in some brains causes stuttering, or if stuttering leads to atypical brain wiring. Charley Adams, PhD, CCC-SLP

While there is no “cure” for stuttering, there are various options that may help people who stutter. Stutter-affirming treatment approaches encourage stuttering acceptance, advocacy, and pride by conceptualizing stuttering as an identity rather than a deficit. Stuttering modification treatment focuses on limiting the impact of stuttering, identifying and adjusting disfluencies as they occur. Fluency shaping treatment emphasizes on reducing disfluent speech. Like any good treatment, help for people who stutter should be tailored to the individual. What works for one person who stutters may not work for everyone! Ultimately, the success of any one treatment for a person who stutters depends on their individual goals, feelings, and attitudes toward their stuttering. Many treatment programs utilize a combination of the methods described above. Most clinicians would agree that early intervention can help support young children who stutter and their families. When potential stuttering is identified in a young child, they should be referred to a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for a comprehensive evaluation. Research suggests that early intervention programs may influence whether stuttering persists into adulthood. Working with an SLP can help children, teens and caregivers self-advocate as well as cope with any negative reactions and/or avoidance of speaking situations that children and teens may experience. Early intervention can help young children and teens who stutter develop a positive communication attitude and effective communication skills.

Stuttering is a very unique communication disorder and is incredibly variable. There may be inconsistencies, peculiarities, and behaviors that are sometimes hard to explain. Sometimes children who stutter stutter less in the safe space of speech therapy, where their stuttering is truly out in the open. Or sometimes, they might stutter more because they are truly more comfortable and don’t feel like they need to hide their stuttering.

Stuttering frequency can vary based on the situation, communication partner, and other factors. Here’s why your child might stutter more at home: 1. **Safe Haven:** Home is often a place where your child feels secure and accepted, allowing them to be themselves without fear of judgment. 2. **Comfort Level:** Feeling loved and accepted at home means there’s no need to hide their stuttering, leading to more frequent stuttering. 3. **Situational Variability:** Different situations and communication partners can impact stuttering frequency. Some children may stutter more with certain people or in specific settings. Understanding these factors can help you support your child better. Encourage open communication and provide a supportive environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves.

Stuttering therapies can help manage stuttering behaviors, but they may not eliminate stuttering entirely. Here’s why your child might still stutter: 1. **Unknown Causes:** The precise cause of stuttering is still unknown, making it challenging to find a complete cure. 2. **Therapy Goals:** The goal of stuttering therapy is often to manage stuttering and improve communication, not necessarily to achieve complete fluency. 3. **Individual Differences:** Each person’s experience with stuttering is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Maintaining an open, honest, and supportive attitude towards stuttering can help your child feel empowered and confident. Encourage them to embrace their stutter and focus on effective communication rather than fluency.

This is a rather profound question because it represents three sentiments rolled into one question. These sentiments include: (1) How do I respond to others about my child’s stuttering? (2) Why does my child stutter? (3) Why does my child continue to stutter despite stuttering therapy? Each of these sentiments is worthy of a response. How do I respond to others about my child’s stuttering? One of the best things a parent can do for their child who is stuttering is to serve as positive role models of self (and stuttering) acceptance and advocacy. Stated differently, children often look to their parents to learn how they should think and feel about stuttering. If parents approach and discuss stuttering in a healthy, open, honest and shame-free manner, then the children often assume this perspective. Similarly, parents that view stuttering as shameful, ugly or handicapping may raise a child who views stuttering (and ultimately themselves) in a similar fashion. In short, it is important that parents model an open, healthy, positive, and shame-free attitude about stuttering, because this will teach many children who stutter how to think and feel about stuttering, and ultimately themselves. So when others ask about your son’s stuttering, I would suggest using it as a teachable moment for both your friend and your son by educating others about stuttering in an honest, open, empowered and shame-free manner. Using questions from others as teaching moments to demonstrate stuttering awareness, acceptance and advocacy will also create a positive foundation for your child’s development, regardless if your child recovers from stuttering or not. Greg Snyder, Ph.D.

Yes, the NSA offers extensive resources for SLPs, including continuing education opportunities, research collaborations, and specialized training to support their work with individuals who stutter. Find out more on our SLP Resources page.

Yes, SLPs can earn ASHA Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by attending NSA’s annual conference and other professional development events that offer accredited sessions. Learn about upcoming events on our Events page.

Professionals can get involved with the NSA by joining a local chapter, attending an our events, participating in research initiatives, and joining our professional advisory board. Contact us for more information on how to get involved. Find a chapter near you. Check out our upcoming events!

It has been estimated that about one percent of the adult population stutters. This would amount to almost three million adults in the United States alone. Stuttering is about three or four times more common in men than women.

The precise causes of stuttering are still unknown, but most researchers now consider stuttering to be neurologically and genetically based. Although the interference with speech is sometimes triggered by emotional or environmental factors, stuttering is basically neurological and physiological – not psychological – in nature. Intelligence and emotional stability are not affected.

Despite scientific research breakthroughs in the field of stuttering, there is still no reliable “cure” for stuttering. Many individuals benefit from various forms of speech therapy and from support groups offered by the National Stuttering Association.

Some of the benefits brought to the workplace by people who stutter may include: Patience and perseverance, gained from dealing with their stuttering. Greater sensitivity to the needs of other people. Good listening skills. Appreciation of the value of preparation. Better understanding of communication issues in the workplace. Enhancement of your organization’s image as one that promotes diversity and inclusion. By refraining from making assumptions about an individual’s qualifications based on stuttering, both the employer and employee can achieve a productive and mutually beneficial relationship.

Yes. Many stutterers perform very effectively in jobs requiring them to interact with the public on a daily basis. Most persons who stutter are capable of adequate – and often excellent – oral communication, regardless of their disfluency. Good communication involves more than just fluency. It includes good listening skills, the ability to empathize with people, being thoughtful and diplomatic, and having something valuable to say. A person who stutters may have these qualities, including valuable “people skills” gained through past work and life experiences. A job interview may be the single most difficult speaking situation a stutterer will encounter. Stuttering could be at its worst. Therefore, the degree of stuttering at the interview should not be used to predict how the person will actually speak on the job. Disqualifying potential employees because of their stutter will deprive employers of the valuable skills that these individuals can contribute to the workplace.

Donating to the NSA helps make a difference for people who stutter (of all ages!), their friends and family, and speech-language pathologists by supporting the various programs and resources within the NSA. Donations sustaining the family, kids and teens programs that provide hope, empowerment and knowledge. Donations also support NSA chapters, social groups for people who stutter to find friendship and connection. Donations to the NSA also go towards conducting research and providing education for people who stutter and their allies. Through your donation dollars, the NSA is also able to offer ASHA CEUs to inform and inspire the next generation of speech-language pathologists.

Your donation to the NSA makes an impact to help the NSA fulfill our mission of bringing hope and empowerment to children and adults who stutter, their families, and professionals, through support, education, advocacy, and research. You can choose to donate to our General Fund or to one of our specific funds if you have a particular interest. You can donate to the NSA Conference Scholarship Fund to provide financial support to individuals and families who face economic challenges in attending our Annual Conference. You can also choose to donate to our Research Fund if you have an interest in advancing knowledge and understanding in the field of stuttering. No matter how or where you choose to donate, the NSA is incredibly grateful for your support. Know that your donation dollars truly make a difference to funding the important work of the NSA.

We are so thankful for and proud of our ChangeMakers program! ChangeMakers are people who choose to donate monthly to the NSA. Your monthly donation makes sense because you choose how much you are able to give. Monthly donations (both big and small!) are reliable gifts the NSA can count on. Your monthly donations add up to create tremendous results.

The hotel has two options: 16th Street Commons (American food) and the lobby cocktail bar, BEZEL. Within walking distance, options include Yard House, Corinne Denver, Stout Street Social, Taco Bell, and Pita Fresh. DoorDash and Uber Eats should also be available for food delivery.

We will have coffee breaks throughout the week and we hope you will join us! If you need a little afternoon pick-me-up, pop up to the main lobby, where there will be a coffee station along with other goodies. A Starbucks is also conveniently located directly across the street from the hotel.

Registration will be in the Plaza Building on the Concorde level. We will have plenty of signs, so when in doubt, follow them!

If you have questions during the Conference, the registration desk is the best place to ask. You can also use the chat feature in our Conference app to reach out anytime. And keep an eye out for our team members wearing ASK ME ribbons on their name tags. We're always happy to help!

We want everyone to meet in the lobby for the scheduled events. Once everyone has checked in, we will direct you where to go.

If you have any concerns about behavior at the Conference, whether something you witnessed or experienced, please don’t hesitate to let us know at the registration desk. We’re here to listen and to help. This Conference is meant to be a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space for everyone, and we take that commitment very seriously.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Everyone who registers for the Conference will receive a post-event survey via email. It’s the best way to share what worked for you and what could be even better next time. Your feedback helps shape the future of NSA Conferences and we truly value every response.

Saturday at noon.

Your safety is our top priority while you're in Denver for the NSA Conference. Here are some tips to stay safe: 1. **Stay Aware:** Be mindful of your surroundings. If you're exploring Denver, minimize distractions like headphones (use only one earbud). 2. **Travel in Groups:** It's safer and a great way to make new friends. 3. **Rideshare Safety:** Confirm the driver's name and license plate before getting into a rideshare. Trust your instincts; it's okay to cancel if something feels off. 4. **Stick to Well-Lit Areas:** Avoid isolated spots, especially at night. 5. **Secure Your Belongings:** Carry only what you need and use a zipped bag worn close to your body. 6. **Limit Real-Time Social Media Sharing:** Avoid sharing your exact location in real-time. 7. **Familiarize Yourself with the Area:** Take a few minutes to learn the hotel's layout and nearby areas. Ask hotel staff or locals for recommendations on safe places to visit. By following these tips, you can enjoy the conference and stay safe.

Denver Health Downtown Urgent Care Distance: 0.5 miles Address: 1545 California St, Denver, CO 80202 This clinic is within walking distance and offers immediate care for adults and children, including X-rays, EKGs, and some on-site lab testing. ​ Saint Joseph Hospital Distance: 1.5 miles Address: 1375 East 19th Avenue, Denver, CO 80218 This hospital provides comprehensive medical services, expert consultations, advanced diagnostics, surgical excellence, and personalized treatment plans. Concentra Urgent Care Distance: 1.2 miles Address: 1730 Blake Street Ste. 100, Denver, CO 80202 This urgent care clinic treats various injuries and illnesses, including sprains, broken bones, coughs, colds, and the flu. ​ For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911.

Thanks for your interest in donating to the NSA! Head over to westutter.org/donate to make a difference today.

When walking outside the hotel on 16th Street and beyond, please remove your nametag to avoid drawing extra attention to yourself. Always walk in groups. There is greater safety in numbers, so stick with your friends and don’t let people in your group walk alone at night. If you find yourself alone after dark, please call a friend to keep on the phone with you as you request a rideshare service for a ride back to the hotel. While walking around the city, please take off your nametag or keep it hidden from view. There is no need to draw extra attention to yourself outside of the hotel. Know where you are going. Always look at a map before you begin a new adventure so you won’t have to stop and draw extra attention to yourself as a tourist. Avoid areas of the city that seem unsafe. If you feel uncomfortable in an area, turn around and go back. Know who to contact in case of an emergency. If you find yourself in an emergency, don’t hesitate to call 911.

The NSA strives to provide all attendees with a sense of camaraderie, acceptance, and empowerment at our conferences as well as to educate attendees about stuttering, regardless of whether they are a PWS (person who stutters) or a family member of a PWS. The NSA’s motto is “If you stutter, you’re not alone” and that’s what the conference is all about. Kids, tweens and teens who stutter are able to meet others like them and truly feel accepted for who they are. The conference is truly a life-changing experience for all who attend! Veteran attendees, whether adults, parents, teens, or kids, will tell you that they look forward to the next conference from the moment the current one ends and that by attending the conference each year they have formed life-long friendships.

The conference provides a unique chance to gain knowledge through participation in workshops, while also fostering an environment that facilitates the formation of lasting relationships among attendees. Kids, Tweens, Teens & Family Programs At our conferences, kids, tweens, and teens who stutter will explore their thoughts and feelings about stuttering in a safe, fun, and encouraging environment while having the opportunity to learn from others and foster lasting friendships. Parents, siblings, and family members will have these same opportunities, forming support networks that develop and deepen through ongoing contact and become stronger year after year at each conference.

Children must be 6 years old at the time of the conference and registered for kindergarten for the upcoming school year. We encourage the entire family to attend the conference, but we do not offer individual babysitting services, nor do we accept children being dropped off in workshops strictly as a means of childcare. Children attending workshops must be able to follow simple directions, be respectful of their peers, and workshop presenters. Please keep in mind the minimum age of 6 is a guideline and if you are unsure that your 6-year-old child will be able to participate in a meaningful way in workshops, we encourage you to make other arrangements for them.

The Conference kicks off with registration on Wednesday morning, followed by an afternoon of workshops and activities, so we encourage attendees to arrive Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning to avoid feeling rushed and to allow for any unforeseen travel challenges.

Yes! Our programs kick off on Wednesday afternoon, and the first workshop sessions provide an opportunity for participants to connect with others in their group. It also allows you to ask any questions or express any concerns before the main events begin.

We strive to offer new workshops each year; however, the kids and tweens can still look forward to the popular scavenger hunt, stuttering jeopardy, arts and crafts, and other fun workshops designed specifically for them. Kids, tweens and their parents will also get to participate in our Family Olympics! Teens always enjoy our open microphone and icebreaker sessions in addition to workshops tailored specifically to them by the Teen Advisory Council and other workshop presenters! The kids, tweens, and teens will also gain insight and learn from adults attending the conference. Parents can look forward to parent roundtables, discussions, and interactive workshops. As we get closer to the conference, please visit our website regularly to stay up to date on workshops, activities, and outings.

Absolutely! We are excited to offer numerous events for families – various tours, bingo, and of course the celebration banquet which includes a DJ and dancing Saturday evening. We hope you enjoy the variety of options we provide. Be sure to check the website regularly for event and activity updates as the conference date approaches.

Check-in with anyone at the NSA Registration desk or NSA Staff and Volunteers wearing matching NSA t-shirts. We want to ensure you have an amazing conference experience and are always happy to help!

The Family Program of the conference is open to kids & teens ages 6-17. The kids, tweens, and teens are separated into smaller, more age-appropriate groups. There is always an assortment of ages represented at the conference and your child will most certainly be able to meet and forge friendships with other kids their age.

Siblings are welcome at the conference if they are at least 6 years old and registered for kindergarten for the upcoming school year. The NSA Family Program offers workshops specifically for siblings and they are also welcome to attend workshops along with their sibling who stutters. However, workshops should not be a substitute for childcare. If a sibling is not able to participate in a meaningful and respectful manner in workshops, we respectfully request that you make other arrangements for them so that all our attendees are able to get the most out of each workshop and their overall conference experience.

The NSA does not provide childcare. Please contact the hotel concierge for details on any childcare service they may provide.

All NSA staff and volunteers have been thoroughly vetted and background screened. We also uphold a strict practice of ‘two or more’, which means that no one child is ever alone with any one adult. Additionally, parents are required to sign their children ages 6-10 in and out of workshops. No child under 10 years old will be released from a workshop without a parent or guardian signing them out. For children 11 and older, it is the responsibility of the parent(s) and their child to decide upon an arrangement that works for them at the conclusion of each workshop.

This is a normal response, especially for first timers! We often hear from parents and kids/tweens/teens that once they get past the initial nervous moments, they feel like they’ve known the other attendees forever. Many parents report that once their child attended their first workshop, even if begrudgingly, and made new friends, they don’t see much of them again until it’s time to leave on Sunday! If you or your child is still apprehensive, members of our Family Programs Committee and Teen Advisory Council would be happy to reach out to you or your child prior to the conference to go over what to expect and ease both you and your child’s mind.

Please contact our NSA National Office at 1-800-937-8888 or Info@WeStutter.org

During the day, wear comfortable clothing like jeans, slacks, or shorts. Bring a sweater for the chilly hotel meeting rooms. For the Closing Celebration Banquet, dress up a bit—suits and ties are fine, but avoid shorts, tank tops, and cut-off shirts. For Activities & Events, pack comfortable walking shoes and appropriate attire. Dressing comfortably and appropriately will ensure you have a great experience at the conference.

Attend Workshops No matter your age—whether you’re 7 or 97, a stuttering pro or a supportive ally—there’s something for everyone at the Annual Conference! From hands-on workshops to fun activities, you can choose your own adventure. Check out the Day at a Glance or the Conference Program at your convenience and drop into any session that catches your eye—no need to sign up in advance! Workshops typically run for an hour with a 15-minute break in between, giving you time to recharge and connect. Many of our sessions are designed specifically for First Timers, so we highly recommend jumping into as many as you can to get the full Conference experience. And if you’ve signed up for an activity, don’t forget to bring your prepaid ticket!

Keep Your Nametag On! Rock your name tag—especially with your First Timer badge—while diving into conference activities! It’s a great way to help others put a name to a face, making it even easier to spark conversations, meet new people, and turn introductions into lasting friendships. So wear it proudly—you never know who you’ll connect with!

Attend the Opening & Closing Ceremonies These events are the heart of the Conference—the one time everyone gathers for awards, powerful speeches, and special guests. Trust us, you won’t want to miss these moments of inspiration, connection, and celebration. And when it comes to the Closing Ceremony? Well... let’s just say it’s an emotional rollercoaster (the best kind), so bring tissues! You’ll thank us later.

Talk As Much As You Can You won’t find a more supportive or welcoming space, so why not use this opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and connect? Chat with as many people as possible, join workshops, share at open mic sessions, and bond over meals and outings. Not feeling up to talking? No pressure—active listening is just as powerful. But even if things feel a little overwhelming, we highly encourage you to stay engaged. (Translation: don’t hide in your room—you belong here with everyone!)

Celebrate at the Charity Banquet! It's the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable four days by sharing a meal, swapping favorite moments, making plans, and hitting the dance floor with your new friends. It’s the perfect ending to an incredible experience! Enjoy a night of fun, laughter, and connection with the NSA community.