Myths about Stuttering

Understanding and Dispelling Common Misconceptions

Stuttering is a frequently misunderstood speech difference.

Research shows that stuttering is a neurological condition that affects the coordination of speech production, creating interruptions known as disfluencies.

Despite decades of research and advocacy, many myths persist.

When these misconceptions go unchallenged, they can lead to bias, stigma, and even self-doubt among people who stutter.Here are some of the most common myths — and the facts that replace them with truth.

Myth 1: People Stutter Because They Are Nervous

Fact: Nervousness does not cause stuttering.

While anyone can become slightly disfluent when anxious, people who stutter experience speech differences rooted in brain function, not emotion.

A person who stutters may feel nervous because they stutter, not the other way around.

Myth 2: People Who Stutter Are Shy or Lack Confidence

Fact: People who stutter can be confident, outspoken, and assertive.

They may occasionally hesitate to speak because of past negative experiences, but personality traits like shyness do not cause stuttering.

Many successful leaders, educators, and advocates stutter and use their voices with strength and authenticity.

Myth 3: Stuttering Is Psychological or Caused by Trauma

Fact: Stuttering is not a psychological disorder.

Although emotions can influence how stuttering feels, the condition itself is neurological.

A rare subtype known as functional stuttering may result from psychological trauma, but developmental stuttering—the most common form—is not caused by mental health factors.

Therapy often includes counseling to address the emotional effects, not because emotion caused the stuttering.

Myth 4: People Who Stutter Are Less Intelligent

Fact: Intelligence has nothing to do with stuttering.

People who stutter excel as scientists, educators, writers, and professionals across every field.

Fluency does not determine intelligence, creativity, or leadership.

Myth 5: Stuttering Is Caused by Bad Parenting

Fact: Parenting does not cause stuttering.

While family stress may temporarily affect how often stuttering occurs, it is not the root cause.

Stuttering develops from genetic and neurological factors, not from anything parents did or did not do.

Myth 6: Stuttering Is a Habit That Can Be Broken

Fact: Stuttering is not a habit and cannot simply be “unlearned.”

It is a neurodevelopmental speech difference.

Many people continue to stutter throughout life even with therapy, though their comfort and confidence often improve dramatically.

Myth 7: Children Imitate Stuttering Relatives

Fact: Stuttering is not contagious.

Children do not start stuttering by copying others.

Because stuttering has genetic components, it may appear in multiple family members, but that is due to shared genes, not imitation.

Myth 8: Switching Handedness Causes Stuttering

Fact: This belief was common a century ago but has been disproven.

While forcing a left-handed child to switch hands can cause stress, it does not cause stuttering.

Studies since the 1940s have found no scientific link between handedness and stuttering onset.

Myth 9: Labeling a Child a “Stutterer” Makes It Worse

Fact: Talking about stuttering does not cause or increase it.

This idea came from a discredited 1939 study known as the Monster Study.

Open, age-appropriate conversations about stuttering help children understand their experiences, build confidence, and advocate for themselves.

Myth 10: People Should Avoid Talking About Stuttering

Fact: Discussing stuttering is helpful.

Avoiding the topic can increase shame or confusion.

When adults speak openly and neutrally about stuttering, children learn that it is acceptable to talk about how they feel and to stutter without fear.

Myth 11: Bilingualism Causes Stuttering

Fact: Learning multiple languages does not cause stuttering.

Bilingual children may show temporary disfluencies while developing two languages, but this is a normal part of language growth.

In fact, bilingualism supports cognitive and social development and should be encouraged.

Myth 12: People Who Stutter Need to Slow Down

Fact: Stuttering is not caused by speaking too quickly.

Telling someone who stutters to “slow down” is unhelpful and often increases pressure.

People who stutter may simply need extra time to express their thoughts.

The best way to support them is to listen patiently and focus on what they are saying, not how they are saying it.

Breaking Down the Myths

These are only a few of the myths that continue to surround stuttering.

Dispelling them begins with understanding the facts.

To learn more, visit the Facts About Stuttering page for accurate, research-based information.

References

• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). (2023). Stuttering.

• Tichenor, S. E., & Yaruss, J. S. (2019). Stuttering as defined by adults who stutter. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 62(12), 4356–4369.)

• Yairi, E., & Ambrose, N. (2013). Epidemiology of stuttering: 21st century advances. Journal of Fluency Disorders, 38(2), 66–87.)

Last Updated: October 2025

Author: National Stuttering Association Marketing & Education Team with contributions from Nicole Kulmaczewski, MS, CCC-SLP and Jacqueline Toscano, SLP.D. CCC-SLP and Caitlin Franchini, MS, CCC-SLP and Megan M. Young, ABD, CCC-SLP