Karla García on Bilingualism, Stuttering, and Changing the Field

Introduction: Meet Karla García

Karla García is a bilingual speech-language pathologist (SLP), a person who stutters, and a passionate advocate for inclusive and affirming care. In this interview, Karla shares her personal journey, from growing up in a multilingual household and navigating difficult therapy experiences to becoming a professional committed to changing the field for future generations.

Early Years: Stuttering, Family, and Identity

Where are you from, and when did you begin stuttering?

I was born in Maryland, and my family roots are from El Salvador and Honduras. I began stuttering around age 5, just as I started kindergarten.

Does anyone else in your family stutter?

Yes, my dad stutters, and now my 8-year-old son also stutters.

What were conversations about stuttering like in your home?

There was a real contrast between my parents. My dad, who stutters, was always an advocate. He believed I just needed time. My mom, meanwhile, followed professional advice aimed at reducing my stutter. Therapy was hard. I often left sessions in tears because I couldn’t be fluent, and that damaged my self-esteem. It created tension at home, I got mixed messages, and wasn’t sure how to handle my stutter.

Becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist

How did your experience influence your career choice?

I originally studied psychology but struggled. My mom suggested speech therapy, and I thought she was crazy. Speech therapy had traumatized me! But she said something that changed everything:

“You can go into the field and make it better.” That stuck with me. I switched majors and became an SLP to be the kind of therapist I needed growing up.

Bilingualism and Stuttering

Do you speak Spanish at home?

Yes, I speak Spanish exclusively to my children and with my parents.

Do you notice a difference in how you stutter in Spanish vs. English?

Absolutely. I used to stutter more in Spanish, but since I began working more with Spanish-speaking clients, it’s improved. Still, I can anticipate certain blocks in Spanish.

How do people react to your stutter in both languages?

Spanish-speaking families tend to be more patient and expressive. They’re often more appreciative of support because they have fewer resources available. I’ve noticed they open up more and feel more comfortable with me than some English-speaking families. Representation truly matters.

View the transcript of the full interview in English & Spanish

Advertising and Advocacy

Do you let people know you stutter before you speak?

Only in high-stakes settings like Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. I’ve learned not to apologize for stuttering but to thank people for their patience instead. Saying “I’m sorry” frames stuttering as a flaw. I want to shift that narrative.

Finding the Stuttering Community

When did you first connect with the stuttering community?

I was introduced to it by Tim Flynn. Before that, I thought it was just me and my dad against the world. I’ve joined virtual support groups and even invited my cousin in Guatemala, who also stutters. This year, I attended my first NSA Conference and it was amazing to connect with others who understand this experience.

Have you brought your son to any support groups?

Not yet. Honestly, he doesn’t really notice his stutter; he’s fully accepted it. His ADHD actually affects him more socially than his stuttering.

What Karla Wishes More People Knew

What do you wish the public understood about stuttering?

Please don’t speak to us as if we don’t understand. Stuttering is not linked to intelligence. And while people may say “Everyone stutters sometimes,” it minimizes the real challenges and emotional impact many of us have faced.

Just listen. Be patient. Don’t finish our sentences. That’s what helps.

A Message to Speech Therapists and Families

What would you say to others considering therapy or working in the field?

Speech therapy has come a long way. My negative experience as a child doesn’t reflect where the field is going. We’re now focusing more on acceptance, emotional well-being, and helping kids communicate confidently, not just fluently.

And to therapists: I’m here if you have questions or need support with tough cases. Sometimes, the best therapy isn’t about “fixing” the stutter. It’s about helping the person feel heard and understood.

If you’re a person who stutters, especially someone who’s covert or struggling with acceptance, know that you’re not alone. Your story matters, your voice matters, and there's a whole community out there ready to support you.