An Open Letter: Stuttering Is Personal & Choice Is Powerful

The National Stuttering Association (NSA) believes every person who stutters (PWS) has the right to define their own experience, and we call on the broader stuttering community to honor and respect that individuality.

Just as there is no one right way to stutter, there is no right way to seek support, establish an identity, or find empowerment. Some may embrace stuttering openly, while others may pursue speech therapy or various tools. Some people may want to be part of a community, while others prefer solitude. All of these paths are valid and deserve respect.  

The NSA was created to be a fierce advocate for the stuttering community. Over the decades, we’ve championed National Stuttering Awareness Week, led funding in stuttering research, helped individuals and families in need attend our Annual Conference, launched over 150+ community chapters all over the U.S., and so much more. If you haven’t yet, we invite you to read our 2024 Impact Report.

We know that our mission is far from over. Every day, our team works tirelessly to raise awareness and promote acceptance among the general public. We also publish and spread as much information about stuttering as possible through our social media, educational resources, and advocacy efforts. No matter what we’re doing or how we’re communicating, the NSA’s commitment remains the same: to support every PWS when and how they need it.

Today, we’re calling on the stuttering community, within and beyond the NSA, to join us in elevating the message of respect, choice, and inclusion for all people who stutter. Every stuttering journey is unique and how someone chooses to navigate life as a PWS is theirs alone. 

If a PWS chooses speech therapy or not, that is their choice. 

If a PWS uses a device or doesn’t, that is their choice. 

If a PWS opts to explore pharmaceutical treatment options for stuttering or doesn’t, that is their choice.

If a PWS seeks support and community or prefers to walk their path independently, that is their choice. 

At the NSA, we see every day that support is powerful, but so is choice. We’re not here to judge or prescribe. What matters is finding what brings confidence and comfort in a world that can already be challenging for PWS and the NSA is here to provide support every step of the way.   

If you stutter, you are not alone. We are here to welcome you…whenever you are ready. 

Please visit our website at WeStutter.org for more information and resources about stuttering or how you can support the community's wide-ranging needs.