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What Is Stuttering?

Updated: Oct 30

Understanding Stuttering: A Neurological Speech Difference


Stuttering is a natural variation in speech in which the timing and flow of spoken language include moments of repetition, prolongation, or blocking of sounds and words. These moments are simply examples of the many ways humans produce speech.


Woman and girl joyfully talking on a brown sofa in a living room. White furniture and potted plants in the background create a cozy mood.

Stuttering is a natural variation in speech characterized by interruptions—known as disfluencies—in the timing and flow of spoken language. These may appear as repetitions, prolongations, or blocks of sounds and words.


Research confirms that stuttering is a neurological and physiological difference, not caused by nervousness, trauma, or parenting style. It affects people of all backgrounds and can vary in frequency or intensity depending on context and communication pressure.


When supported with education and acceptance, people who stutter can communicate effectively and confidently—whether or not they are fluent.


Common Features of Stuttering


SLPs typically identify three primary disfluency patterns:

  • Repetitions: repeating sounds, syllables, or words (e.g., “I-I-I want to go”).

  • Prolongations: stretching a sound (e.g., “ssssun”).

  • Blocks: pauses or stoppages when speech momentarily halts.


Stuttering can also include physical movements (such as eye blinks, facial tension, or body shifts) and emotional responses (such as frustration or anxiety). These reactions stem from social experiences, not from stuttering itself.


Types of Stuttering


Although each person’s speech pattern is unique, stuttering is often described based on how and when it begins:


Childhood-Onset Stuttering

The most common type, appearing between ages 2–5 as children develop speech and language skills (Yairi & Ambrose, 2013).


Neurogenic Stuttering 

May follow neurological events such as a stroke, brain injury, or degenerative disease (Theys et al., 2024).


Functional Stuttering 

A rare subtype linked to psychological or emotional events rather than neurological causes (NIH, n.d.).


What Causes Stuttering?


The exact cause of stuttering is complex, involving differences in brain structure and function that affect timing, motor control, and language coordination.


Studies show that stuttering may be hereditary, as many people who stutter have relatives with similar speech patterns (Kang et al., 2010). Brain imaging has also revealed differences in how people who stutter process auditory feedback and plan motor speech movements.


Emotional factors, stress, or environmental influences can impact when and how often stuttering occurs, but they do not cause stuttering.


Learn more about the science behind it on our Causes of Stuttering page.


Can Stuttering Be Cured?


There is no universal cure for stuttering. While many children recover naturally, others continue to stutter into adulthood. Therapy helps people who stutter communicate comfortably and effectively—without striving for perfect fluency.


Successful approaches include:

  • Building confidence in communication

  • Reducing physical effort and tension

  • Encouraging self-advocacy and stutter-affirming perspectives

  • Expanding speaking choices to reduce avoidance and shame


People who stutter benefit greatly from combining professional therapy with community support. The NSA’s Local Chapters offer connection, acceptance, and peer learning opportunities.


How Common Is Stuttering?


  • Around 5% of children experience stuttering at some point in development.

  • Roughly 1% of adults continue to stutter throughout life.

  • Stuttering occurs three to four times more often in males than in females.

  • About 65–80% of children recover naturally within two to three years.


Stuttering exists across all cultures and languages, and its expression can differ depending on linguistic context or emotional environment.


Why Understanding Stuttering Matters


Understanding stuttering as a neurological speech difference—not a behavior to fix—helps SLPs and caregivers provide effective, compassionate support.


Stuttering therapy should focus on:

  • Enhancing communication comfort

  • Reducing stigma and fear

  • Supporting authentic expression over forced fluency


By adopting this person-centered perspective, clinicians and communities help people who stutter thrive as confident communicators.


Next Steps for Clinicians



References


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


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