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Learn about stuttering, its causes, and how to support individuals who stutter. Explore resources for families and educators. What Is Stuttering? 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. Stuttering is 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 Stuttering typically includes three primary patterns: Repetitions: repeating sounds, syllables, or words (e.g., "I-I-I want to go"). Prolongations: stretching a sound (e.g., "ssssun"). Blocks: pause s 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. Neurogenic Stuttering May follow neurological events such as a stroke, brain injury, or degenerative disease. Functional Stuttering A rare subtype linked to psychological or emotional events rather than neurological causes. 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. Genetics & Brain Structure Studies show that stuttering may be hereditary, as many people who stutter have relatives with similar speech patterns. Brain imaging has also revealed differences in how people who stutter process auditory feedback and plan motor speech movements. Emotional & Environmental Factors 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. Explore Causes of Stuttering 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 How Common Is Stuttering? 5% of children experience stuttering at some point in development. 3-4x more often in males than in females. Stuttering exists across all cultures and languages, and its expression can differ depending on linguistic context or emotional environment. People who stutter benefit greatly from combining professional therapy with community support. The NSA’s Local Chapters offer connection, acceptance, and peer learning opportunities. Why Understanding Stuttering Matters Understanding stuttering as a neurological speech difference—not a behavior to fix—helps everyone provide effective, compassionate support. Enhancing Communication Focusing on comfort and ease of speech rather than perfect fluency. Reducing Stigma Addressing fear and shame through education and acceptance. Authentic Expression Supporting the person's right to speak freely without forced fluency. By adopting this person-centered perspective, everyone—families, educators, and communities—can help people who stutter thrive as confident communicators. Learn More Treatment Options Facts About Stuttering Join a Local Chapter Myths vs Facts Annual Conference Find a Speech Therapist

Access WeStutter@Work Resources from the National Stuttering Association. Find tools, tips, and support to excel professionally as a person who stutters. Empower Your Career Journey Discover resources, support, and real stories to help you thrive in your professional life. JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON LINKEDIN Achieve Your Career Goals At the National Stuttering Association, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed professionally, regardless of their fluency. Our WeStutter@Work Program is dedicated to empowering individuals who stutter with the tools, resources, and support needed to achieve their career ambitions. Whether you are starting your job search, preparing for interviews, or advancing in your career, we are here to help you every step of the way. Resources for Success Essential Tools for Professional Growth Mentorship Program The WeStutter@Work Mentorship Program is the first of its kind, designed to connect individuals who stutter with mentors who truly understand their experiences. This initiative provides a supportive environment where participants can explore and create achievable career goals, build confidence in the workplace, and receive guidance from other professionals who stutter or from allies committed to fostering workplace inclusion for those who stutter. Through meaningful mentorship, participants can gain insights, celebrate victories (no matter how big or small), and develop the skills and confidence to thrive both personally and professionally. By joining, you become part of a groundbreaking community dedicated to redefining what it means to succeed in the workplace as a person who stutters. JOIN THE PROGRAM Practice Interviews Enhance your interview skills with personalized online practice sessions. Participate in free job interview practice sessions designed to boost your confidence as a person who stutters. Get the job you want and deserve with tailored feedback and expert guidance. LEARN MORE Full Disclosure Inspiring career advice from a successful professional who stutters. Discover valuable career insights and advice from Carl Coffey, a professional who has overcome challenges to build a thriving career. His experience will inspire and guide you to navigate your professional journey. LEARN MORE Professional Resources Build a supportive work environment. Create an inclusive and supportive workplace. Explore our professional resources, packed with valuable insights and strategies. Share this information to educate employers, allies, and listeners about stuttering. LEARN MORE Recorded Webinars Learn how to make a bigger impact at work as a person who stutters. Access recorded webinars with insights and strategies to help you excel professionally while embracing your unique strengths. Discover how to turn challenges into opportunities. LEARN MORE For Employers 1 in 100 people stutter That means employers will likely encounter people who stutter (PWS) in the workplace. Employers should not overlook the skills and talents of PWS and instead offer paths towards promotion and potential leadership roles. LEARN MORE Real Stories of Success Meet individuals who stutter and have achieved remarkable career success. Find inspiration in their stories and learn from their experiences. VIEW ALL CAREER PROFILES Steve Ernst Learn about Steve’s story VIEW PROFILE Madison Nichols Learn about Madison’s story VIEW PROFILE Leigh Gaston Learn about Leigh’s story VIEW PROFILE Explore Resources Stuttering Put Simply: Your Stuttering Analogy in the Workplace This blog explores simple, relatable analogies that help people who stutter explain their communication in the workplace, challenge common myths, and encourage understanding, empathy, and stronger collaboration among colleagues and employers. Stuttering Advocacy Bingo Board for the Workplace Print out your 2026 Stuttering Advocacy Bingo Board, a flexible tool that helps people who stutter build confidence and supportive workplace environments. From Awareness to Action: How NSA Programs Make a Difference It’s one thing to talk the talk. It’s quite another to walk the walk. We don’t just raise awareness about stuttering. We create real change. From NSA Chapters and virtual meetups to youth programs, workplace advocacy, and groundbreaking research, our initiatives are helping people who stutter and their families thrive. This article takes you inside our programs that move the needle! Inspire Others with Your Journey Celebrate your career milestones! Share your journey and inspire others in the stuttering community. SHARE YOUR STORY Be Part of a Thriving Community The WeStutter@Work LinkedIn Group is a vibrant community of professionals who stutter, mentors, and allies committed to supporting each other’s career growth. By joining our LinkedIn group, you'll gain access to exclusive materials and a supportive network that understands your unique experiences. Let’s achieve career success together! JOIN OUR COMMUNITY Expand Your Skills and Network Join our upcoming events and workshops designed to support your professional growth. No events at the moment

Find stuttering resources and programs for teens. Join a supportive community designed to empower young people. Connect, Support, and Thrive The teenage years can be an exciting and challenging stage of life – new schools, new freedoms, and new challenges, including those with your speech. Many teens who stutter may feel like they are the alone, like they are the only one who understands how they feel. Am I Alone? As a teen who stutters, you may experience daily challenges and difficulties that your peers do not. You may face ridicule by classmates. You may experience anxiety in social situations such as dating, but with the added worry of “Will he/she not like me because of my stutter?” You may feel nervous in class wondering if today is the day the teacher will call on you to participate. You may wonder if you are alone. You’re in the right place to connect with other teens who have been through some of the same experiments, struggles, and triumphs, and know exactly how you feel! NSA® Teens understand the specific challenges and difficulties that you may be experiencing, and they are here to support you and help you to navigate through them successfully. Stuttering is a part of you, but it does not – and will never – define you. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! The NSA is Here to Help! We offer a variety of ways to connect with other teens who stutter, both online and in person. FIND YOUR LOCAL CHAPTER NSA TEENS INSTAGRAM NSA TEENS FACEBOOK GROUP TEEN ADVISORY COUNCIL UPCOMING NSA EVENTS Junior Chapter Leaders This specialized position is open to teens (ages 13-17) who want to become more involved in their chapter meetings, working with existing Chapter Leaders in the planning and execution of chapter meetings, and who can serve as a role model for their peers and/or the younger children in their chapter. This is an opportunity for teens to become more engaged within the NSA, learn leadership skills, and express themselves creatively, with the opportunity to continue on as Chapter Leaders when you ‘age out’ of your NSA Teen or Family Chapter. Junior Chapter Leaders will still need their parent or guardian to attend all meetings with them, and the Chapter Leader must be there for the entirety of the meetings as well. Interested? Apply today! Learn More About Stuttering Stuttering Explained Causes of Stuttering Treatment for Stuttering Facts about Stuttering Myths about Stuttering Famous People Who Stutter Educating your Classmates Find a Speech Therapist

Just before the National Stuttering Association (NSA) celebrates National Stuttering Acceptance Week from May 9-15, it's also important to remember another key awareness day in May that resonates with parents, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and mental health professionals: National Children’s Mental Health Day. National Children’s Mental Health Day is observed annually on the first Thursday of May. This year, it falls on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 2006, this day aims to highlight the mental health needs of children and teens. A 2021 study found that nearly 20% of children aged 3 to 17 had been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral issue during childhood. Students with communication differences, like stuttering, often face ongoing communication challenges that can heighten anxiety and depression. These students may feel isolated, have difficulty advocating for themselves, and experience depression. To address the decline in mental health, proactive strategies can support students who stutter and promote their well-being at home and at school. These include in-school resources such as school counseling and speech therapy, as well as external services provided by licensed mental health clinicians. Let’s explore how mental health affects children and teens who stutter and how to honor NSAW in ways that support their social-emotional health: Supporting the Emotional Experience of Stuttering If you are parenting a child who stutters, the challenges of childhood stuttering can sometimes feel isolating, especially when others don’t see or understand what your child is experiencing. How do you support your child wholeheartedly while also managing the realistic demands of raising a neurodivergent child or teen with an invisible disability, like stuttering? Using Stuttering-Affirming Language at Home Being mindful of how you talk about stuttering at home can create a powerful, positive shift in your household. Stuttering-affirming language moves the focus away from trying to “fix” stuttering and instead fosters an uplifting, supportive view of your child’s communication difference. For example: Instead of: “Slow down, take a breath, start over,” try: “I’m listening. Take your time.” Instead of: “Use your strategies,” try: “What would help you feel more comfortable?” “Adults can support children by normalizing stuttering, responding with patience, and modeling acceptance. It’s also important to listen without interrupting or finishing sentences, and to validate the child’s feelings without trying to immediately ‘fix’ them. When children feel emotionally safe, their confidence and communication naturally grow.” — Nicole Terhune, MS, CCC-SLP Creating Confidence in Your Child Who Stutters Just as the language you use around stuttering matters, being intentional about your actions around stuttering can have a powerful impact on your children who stutter. Instead of focusing on how your child speaks, focus on what they say. You can create “low-pressure” speaking opportunities to have your child practice their speech, like: Family game nights where everyone takes turns telling stories or jokes Letting the child choose when they’d like to order at restaurants In these practice situations, you can also teach and model self-advocacy scripts for your child: “Sometimes my words get stuck. Please give me a bit more time.” “I stutter. It’s just how I talk.” Practicing Mindfulness as a Family Mindfulness means being fully present with a calm mind and body. Incorporating relaxation and grounding exercises into your family’s daily routine can improve your family’s social-emotional well-being. Many parents overlook how their emotions influence their children, but dedicating just 10 minutes daily to mindfulness can significantly benefit both their nervous systems. Consider trying one of the following methods: Finger breathing Trace the outline of your hand with a finger, breathing in as you move up and out as you move down. Progressive muscle relaxation Tense different muscle groups while breathing in, and release them while breathing out to release stress. Body scan Listen to a script that allows you to focus your attention on different parts of your body, from your feet to the muscles in your face. Practicing mindfulness together with your child fosters co-regulation, a process in which two people help each other stay calm. The Child Mind Institute explains that co-regulation is supported by science: our emotions, such as anger, can influence others to feel the same way. Effective co-regulation between an adult and a child involves guiding the child to self-soothe, which is why managing your own stress in a healthy way is the first step. “Learning grounding and mindfulness techniques can help regulate the nervous system, tolerate distress, and support emotional regulation…When everyone slows down, breathes, and stays present, it supports the child who stutters and creates a calmer, more supportive environment.” — Nora O’Connor, LCSW Creating Safe Spaces: A School Counselor’s Role in Supporting Students Who Stutter As a certified school counselor in Pennsylvania, I support students’ social-emotional development. A 2021 American School Counselor Association study found that these interventions can improve stress tolerance, social curiosity, executive functioning, and academic achievement. Here’s how a school counselor can support students who stutter: Identifying Emotions Stuttering can be difficult for others to understand, and it can be hard to explain the internal struggle of dealing with a communication barrier. As a school counselor at an elementary school, I help students identify their feelings using visual tools, like a Feelings Wheel. You choose an emotion and its associated color, such as "worried" and "purple," then follow that color to the outer ring, where more specific emotions appear. You can also have them practice using the feelings in sentences, for example: “I am feeling worried and insecure about stuttering during my class presentation.” Example of a Feelings Wheel for Children/Youth from OpenEmotionWheel As adults, it’s our role to help children understand that it’s okay to have upsetting or frustrating emotions. For example, you might say, “It sounds like you’re having a rough speech day and feeling frustrated and embarrassed.” When you acknowledge their stutter and the challenging feelings around it, you show your student that their entire stuttering experience is recognized, understood, and accepted. “When children are hurt, or in pain, our instinct [as parents] is to rescue them, but that’s often because we have a hard time seeing them suffer. What all of us need to hear is that it’s okay to be in pain, to feel sad, or to be in a difficult situation. I think that once we, as parents, teachers, and other caregivers, shift our thinking to recognize that it’s genuinely okay for our kids to struggle and have a hard time, we can be much more present with them...” — Eric Mendoza, PsyD Developing a Growth Mindset As a school counselor, I particularly enjoy teaching the distinction between a Growth Mindset and a Fixed Mindset. While it may seem straightforward, a Growth Mindset is about embracing challenges, feeling confident, and believing that effort leads to success. In contrast, a Fixed Mindset involves negative self-perceptions and doubts about one's abilities, as shown below: Carol Dweck, the author of Mindsets and the Growth vs. Fixed theory, wrote, “The best things parents can do is to teach their children to love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort, and keep on learning.” For parents of children who stutter, you can foster positive thinking in your child by: Meeting your child where they are at: praise them for their efforts, not their abilities Understanding the power of “yet”: encourage positive language by suggesting someone say, “I can’t do this…yet" instead of, “I can’t do this!" Along with our different types of mindsets, I also enjoy teaching my students about resilience, the ability to “bounce back” from challenges. If you're attending this summer’s NSA Annual Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, your children can join my social-emotional learning workshop, “Grow As We Go: Building Resilience from the Inside Out,” as part of the Kids conference programming. Advocating for Students who Stutter Being an “advocate” for all students is a foundational pillar of school counseling, as it is reflected in our professional guidelines. The ASCA Ethical Standards (2022) state that school counselors must “advocate for equitable, anti-oppressive and anti-bias policies and procedures, systems and practices, and provide effective, evidence-based and culturally sustaining interventions to address student needs.” There are several ways a school counselor can advocate for students who stutter, both directly and indirectly: Classroom lessons Facilitate lessons on diversity, conflict resolution, bullying, and respect. Use books like “Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You” by Sonia Sotomayor, which features a child who stutters and explains that he sometimes repeats words or gets stuck, requiring more time to express himself! Anti-Bullying Initiatives Create a school-wide program like Kindness Day to focus on inclusion and teach conflict-resolution skills to prevent tension, such as using “I-Statements” (for example, “I didn’t like how you said I can’t talk… I wish you would please be nicer to me.”) 504 Plans Students who stutter are often eligible for Section 504 Plans (legal accommodations) to address their communication needs. A school counselor facilitates 504 meetings, ensures teachers implement the accommodations, and may even serve as the 504 Case Manager responsible for the plan. You can learn more about 504s here! Finding Your Voice: An SLP’s Role in Supporting Communication and Confidence Nicole Terhune, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a SLP, clinical educator, and stuttering advocate on Instagram as @TheStutterAlly. Her experience working with children and teens who stutter helps her shift from a fluency-focused approach to a client-centered one. Nicole promotes a positive view of stuttering in youth by sharing that: “I’ve seen how focusing only on speech can unintentionally communicate to children that the way they talk is 'wrong,’ which can impact self-esteem and willingness to participate. Professionally, working with children and families has shown me that stuttering is not just about speech. It’s incredibly complex and overlaps in the areas of identity, participation, and emotional safety. I prioritize creating spaces where children feel heard and do not feel constantly judged or criticized. I emphasize consciously validating their experiences, supporting their autonomy, and helping them express themselves in ways that feel authentic to them.” Supporting Children Who Stutter Through Challenges Nicole approaches situations like classroom presentations, social anxiety, and bullying with a balance of emotional support and practical strategies: “We talk openly about stuttering and explore how it feels in different situations. From there, we build individualized strategies that often include learning about stuttering, role-playing difficult moments, practicing self-advocacy phrases, and identifying supportive people in their environment. When it comes to bullying, children must know it’s not their fault and that they have the right to be respected. I talk with my clients about others’ perspectives. I emphasize that the bully may not know anything about stuttering and that the behavior may stem from ignorance. I also collaborate closely with teachers and families to ensure the child is supported across settings. Most importantly, I help children understand that their voice is valuable regardless of how it sounds and that they deserve to take up as much space as they need.” Collaborating with Caregivers and Educators Nicole emphasizes that supporting children who stutter is a shared effort, and that small shifts in adult behavior can have a meaningful impact: “Supporting a child who stutters can feel emotional for adults, especially when they want to help. One of the most important things is recognizing that you don’t have to ‘fix’ stuttering to support a child effectively. I recommend that adults focus on connecting with the child rather than correcting their speech, reflecting on their own beliefs and biases about communication, and seeking education and supportive communities to continue learning about stuttering and communication differences.I also collaborate closely with teachers and families so that strategies carry over across environments. When adults are consistent in how they respond and support communication, children have more opportunities to participate in ways that feel successful and sustainable.” Encouraging Self-Advocacy and Emotional Well-Being A key part of Nicole’s approach is helping children develop a sense of ownership over how they communicate and participate: “I often tell children: ‘You don’t have to change the way you talk to be worth listening to.’ We work on understanding stuttering, building confidence in their identity, and learning to advocate for their needs—whether that’s asking for more time, explaining their stutter, or choosing how they want to participate. I also find it helpful to remind children that it’s okay to change their minds about what feels helpful during moments of stuttering. One day, they might want someone to finish their sentence, and the next day, they may not. Protecting their mental health also means recognizing when something feels too hard and knowing it’s okay to take breaks, ask for support, or do things differently. Their voice matters, whether they feel ready to take on speaking challenges or need to stay in spaces that feel safe.” Holding Space for Emotions: Insights from Mental Health Experts on Stuttering Being a mental health professional requires significant vulnerability. You work closely with individuals to discuss their struggles and create a safe, therapeutic environment. A communication barrier, such as stuttering, can be especially challenging in a role that involves a lot of speaking, such as being a therapist. The NSA consulted with two mental health clinicians who stutter: Eric Mendoza, PsyD, and Nora O’Connor, LCSW, and author of the upcoming workbook Navigating the Emotional Response to Stuttering, for their expert insights: Meeting Children Who Stutter Where They Are When asking how their personal experiences with stuttering have shaped the way they support children as mental health clinicians, they shared the following reflections: “I meet the children I work with exactly where they are. I also allow myself to stutter loud and proud. I want to model for children that there's nothing wrong with the way they speak, and it's also okay to want to work on it. I remember exactly what it felt like to wish I didn't stutter, so I can make space for them to feel this way without trying to change it. I also strongly believe that when these children are having a difficult time, I can see their strong prognosis and future. With love, acceptance, and some courage, they can get to a place where stuttering doesn't need to disappear, but where they can be an authentic, confident, beautiful person who stutters in this world.” — Eric Mendoza, PsyD “My experience allows me to go beyond technique and into the emotional truth of stuttering. I understand the anticipation, the body tension, the shame, and the constant mental gymnastics. That lived experience helps me meet children, teens, and adults where they are and help them understand themselves, normalize their experiences, regulate their nervous system, and build a healthier relationship with their stuttering.” — Nora O’Connor, LCSW Making Space for the Emotions of Stuttering When asked about the emotional challenges children who stutter encounter and ways adults can support them, both mental health experts highlighted that: “I’d say the biggest emotional challenge I’ve seen, and one I deeply resonate with, is the feeling of being out of control… But instead of pulling them out of the hole, get in the hole with them. Sit with them. Listen. Validate… what helps most isn’t fixing it; it’s helping them feel like they’re not alone in it.”— Eric Mendoza, PsyD “Shame is the biggest issue. It’s not just the stutter; it’s what children begin to believe about themselves because of it… Adults can help by creating environments where a child feels safe, not rushed or judged, and by giving them the time and space to speak without interruption or pressure… Children are not failures.”— Nora O’Connor, LCSW Helping Children Who Stutter Thrive When discussing bullying and anxiety, Eric and Nora both emphasized the importance of parents acknowledging and validating their children’s feelings: “I don’t pretend [bullying] doesn’t hurt or that it shouldn’t matter, because it does. If a child is being picked on or feels anxious about speaking, that’s real. So the first step is helping them feel understood and not alone in that experience. A lot of it comes down to sitting with them in those moments and validating their feelings… At the same time, I want to help them build confidence in who they are, not in spite of stuttering but including it. We work on talking openly about their stutter, practicing how to respond if someone says something, learning to set a boundary, and slowly building their tolerance for those uncomfortable moments and a sense of control. I think something really important is helping them separate who they are from how others react. Just because someone laughs or doesn’t understand doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with them. It says more about the other person. I also try to help them see that their voice matters, even if it comes out differently. And over time, the goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety completely. It’s to help them feel like, “Even if I feel anxious, I can still speak. I can still be myself." — Eric Mendoza, PsyD “Bullying is very serious and harmful. Being open and honest about how difficult that experience can be is essential. We talk about what’s happening, how it feels in their body, and what thoughts come up. If a child cannot speak up for themselves, parents and guardians are responsible for advocating on their behalf. Don’t assume bullying isn’t happening just because your child isn’t telling you. Let’s assume it might be occurring, so we can prepare them for what they can do and what parents can do. For social anxiety, we normalize it. It’s okay to feel anxious, and we explore it together. Learning grounding and mindfulness techniques can help regulate the nervous system, tolerate distress, and support emotional regulation. Adults can also consider whether a child would benefit from seeing a mental health provider. Speech-language pathologists are often expected to address all aspects of stuttering, but it’s important to recognize when something is outside their scope and to refer out. Mental health professionals are trained to treat social anxiety and the emotional impact of stuttering. An SLP and a mental health therapist can collaborate in the child's best interests.”— Nora O’Connor, LCSW Finding Strength Through Self-Acceptance When offering advice directly to children who stutter, both clinicians emphasized the importance of authenticity, connection, and self-expression: “Be your authentic self. The people you’re vulnerable with will become your strongest relationships. For me, stuttering, although it comes with many hardships, primarily internal but definitely shaped by external experiences too, is as corny and cliché as it sounds, has been an incredible gift. Find people who fully support you, where you don't feel the need to hide. I don’t think I’d be where I am today in my journey with stuttering without people who believed in me and mentors who helped me move toward acceptance…Lastly, people who stutter are just awesome! They're typically kind, genuine, and some of the best people I've ever met.”— Eric Mendoza, PsyD “Your voice is yours, stutter and all. You don’t have to hide it or rush it. The goal isn’t perfect speech; it’s real communication. The more you let yourself be seen and heard as you are, the stronger you become. It’s also okay to feel sad, frustrated, or angry. Those feelings are real and powerful. Finding outlets is essential, such as music, sports, art, books, dancing, and other ways to express yourself. There’s more to you than your stutter, and it’s important to explore that. Get connected. Attend a stuttering self-help event in person and virtually. Meet other kids who stutter. You’re not alone in this.”— Nora O’Connor, LCSW Prioritizing Self-Care While Caring for Others Finally, both clinicians reflected on how they maintain their own well-being with self-care, while supporting children with similar lived experiences: “Working with kids alone is healing. Accepting and genuinely loving every part of them heals the younger child in me. Having a daughter who stutters, loving every nuance of her voice, and making sure she knows that's what makes her unique and beautiful in this world, allows me to stutter openly. Embracing her stutter is healing for me.”— Eric Mendoza, PsyD “Staying connected to my body and voice. I practice self-care through yoga and meditation, and I make time for things I enjoy. Staying connected with my family is also important to me. I stay in contact with friends who stutter, and that connection continues to ground me. Stuttering can still be hard work, even after all these years. As I stay grounded, I’m able to be fully present for the children, teens, and adults who stutter and seek my support.”— Nora O’Connor, LCSW More Than Awareness: A Mental Health-Affirming Celebration of National Stuttering Acceptance Week Instead of “National Stuttering Awareness Week,” our organization promotes open conversations about how awareness alone is not enough for people who stutter. We focus on acceptance, ensuring they are heard, respected, and supported daily. Highlighting mental health encourages us to go beyond awareness and create safe, supportive environments for people who stutter. Here are some suggestions for children and family members to celebrate this week together while integrating social-emotional learning: Create a “What helps me when talking feels hard” toolbox with grounding exercises, reminders of supportive people, and self-advocacy phrases Draw or create an art collage on the topic: “My voice matters because…” Read books featuring characters who stutter and talk about feelings in the story “How do you think that character felt?” “What helped them feel supported?” Journal and reflect on “How does stuttering feel for me?” or explore your personal strengths besides your speech (example: your kindness, creativity, humor) You’re Not Alone: Connecting to Support, Resources, and Community No one needs to go through the stuttering journey alone. Community groups, in-school supports, or mental health services offer understanding environments that assist children, teens, and families. If your family is looking for support, explore these resources as your next step: National Mental Health Counseling Directory for Children Who Stutter This database helps families find mental health professionals who provide affirming, stuttering-informed care. Getting Involved with Your Local Stuttering Community NSA chapters and support groups offer opportunities to connect with others who stutter, share experiences, and build lasting community in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. Written by Lexi Hewitt for the National Stuttering Association, where people who stutter, families, and professionals find support, education, and community.

Speech therapy for stuttering has long struggled with one key issue: helping people use the skills and techniques in everyday conversations. Research led by John A. Tetnowski, PhD, CCC, is tackling this challenge using virtual reality (VR), offering a more practical and engaging path forward for stuttering therapy. “The main goal of this project was to investigate how skills learned in clinical settings can be transferred to real-world settings,” said Dr. Tetnowski. “This problem is common in all stuttering therapies.” Funded by the National Stuttering Association’s CASE Research Grant in 2022 and ongoing through 2025, this project focuses on adolescents and adults who stutter. Its goal is simple but critical: make therapy more applicable to everyday communication. By prioritizing outcomes, the research moves beyond traditional clinic-based success measures. The Therapy Room vs Real Life: How VR Bridges the Gap Traditional methods like role-play often fall short because they don’t fully replicate real-world situations. This creates a disconnect that can limit progress and confidence. VR introduces immersive environments where people can practice communication in realistic scenarios. Early findings show it helps transfer skills more effectively than traditional methods. “The gulf between a clinical setting and a real-world setting is quite wide,” said Dr. Tetnowski. “We found that VR is a viable option for promoting transfer and carryover of skills.” Read: How NSA-Funded Research Is Advancing Understanding of Stuttering Read: How This Researcher Advanced the Quality of Life for People Who Stutter Why VR Works One of the most surprising outcomes of the research is how quickly adolescents adapt to VR. Not only do they engage with it easily, but they also show increased motivation to practice independently. This shift could be a game-changer for long-term therapy success, especially for younger populations. “Adolescents not only enjoy this type of intervention, but they will also engage in at-home practice easily and without prompting from parents and therapists,” said Dr. Tetnowski. Beyond improving outcomes, VR also expands access to care. Individuals in rural or underserved areas can benefit from realistic therapy experiences without needing to travel to specialized clinics. This makes stuttering therapy more inclusive and widely available. How VR Is Changing the Future of Speech-Language Pathology The implications of this research extend beyond therapy sessions. VR is also reshaping how future speech-language pathologists are trained, offering immersive experiences that simulate the emotional and practical realities of stuttering. It provides a more accessible and ethical alternative to traditional training exercises. “Stuttering in a virtual environment can serve as an intermediate step that can give all speech pathology students to experience some of the feelings associated with stuttering,” Dr. Tetnowski said. His team is already implementing VR in clinical settings while continuing to refine and expand the technology. New simulations are being developed to increase realism and collect more detailed data. This ongoing work ensures that VR-based therapy will continue to evolve and improve. Read: How One Research Award Helped Launch a Career in Stuttering Research Read: Rethinking Early Stuttering Support: What Parent-Child Interactions Really Tell Us What’s Next for Virtual Reality in Speech Therapy? Looking ahead, the research aims to explore whether VR can support other areas of speech therapy beyond stuttering. If successful, this could open the door to a broader transformation in how communication disorders are treated. The future of therapy may be more accessible and effective than ever before. But Dr. Tetnowski is thinking of the future by asking just one important question: “Can VR applications be used in more types of speech therapy, not just stuttering?” To learn more about the NSA’s CASE Grant, visit WeStutter.org/case-grant.

Seeing your experience as a person who stutters reflected back to you in a way that feels joyful and honest can be life-changing. That’s why the National Stuttering Association (NSA) is so excited to announce our collaboration with Willemijn to release special edition NSA art! Her artwork, centered around our slogan, “If you stutter, you are not alone,” brings the spirit of the stuttering community to life. It’s not only a visual, but also a reminder that art can be a meaningful outlet for expressing who we are and how we experience the world. Creative Process: From Idea to Illustration “I really wanted to capture the joy of the stuttering community, so I chose a colorful and playful style for this illustration,” Willemijn said. “I first drew the tagline in the center and then sketched different characters around it, interacting with each other in a positive way. Some of them are inspired by friends from the community, which makes the art feel more authentic and meaningful.” Willemijn’s process reflects the same sense of connection that the artwork represents. By centering the message first and building outward, she created a world where community quite literally surrounds the idea that no one who stutters is alone on their journey. Symbols of Connection & What She Hopes You Feel “I enjoy playing with the shapes of speech bubbles to show different ways of speaking and stuttering,” Willemijn said. “The intersecting speech bubbles symbolize the connection we can experience through our speech.” These details invite you to look a little closer. The variation in speech bubbles highlights the diversity of communication, while their intersections point to something shared: understanding and community. “When people who stutter look at this artwork, I hope they feel joy or even pride in being part of this community,” she said. “I hope they think of friends they have met, or new friends they might meet in the future.” That sense of possibility of remembering past connections and imagining new ones is at the heart of this artwork. Inspiration Behind the Work “In terms of style, I am inspired by artists who draw in a loose and playful way,” Willemijn said. “I want to convey joy in my work, which I also aimed to do in this piece. The topics that inspire me most are stuttering, mental health, and finding connection. I enjoy creating very personal work and sharing stories from real people. That's why some of the characters in this piece are based on my real friends from the community.” Willemijn’s art is rooted in stories and experiences. That’s what makes this collaboration feel so meaningful. It reflects the community not just in message, but in spirit. This art is designed to meet you wherever you are and is available as a digital bundle, including an 18x24 print, desktop background, and mobile background. Download the digital print from our merch store.