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Join the Boston - Family stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Boston Family FAMILY CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Massachusetts State Welcome to the NSA Boston Family Chapter! The National Stuttering Association’s® motto: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®, is what our NSA Chapters are all about! Chapter meetings are open to people who stutter, family members of people who stutter, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone that wants to learn more about stuttering. Feel free to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) to find out more about our chapter. We hope you will join us! How do you typically meet? In-Person Meetings What age group can attend? Family What languages are spoken? English How much does it cost? Free! Meetings Here is information on the location and schedule of our meetings. Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for more information! Where? Location may vary around the Boston area. When? Quarterly meet-ups happen around the Boston area. Please contact the Chapter Leaders for information! Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Sarah Onofri, Liz Gomez & Lisa Greenleaf Chapter Leaders Get in touch! BostonStutters@gmail.com - http://www.bostonstutters.com Questions? We know that attending your first NSA Chapter meeting might be a little intimidating so we’ve tried to answer some of your questions! We know once you get there, you’ll be greeted by Chapter Leaders who have been in your shoes before and are happy to welcome you! Testimonials Read more about the power of chapters and support groups from NSA members themselves! "My first NSA Boston gathering as a teen changed how I saw my stutter—I finally heard others stutter too. After attending the 2021 NSA Conference, I went from seeing my stutter as my enemy to seeing it as something I could live with." ---Ethan Gioscia "The NSA Boston Chapters gave me true belonging. I found people who feel like family—who check in, cheer me on, and make me feel seen. Parents and fellow adults became the strongest supporters of my voice. My growth began the moment I found this group." ---Michèle Ayoub "I didn't know what to expect from my first NSA Boston event. I just knew I wanted my son to see other people who stutter and find community. Turns out that I needed this community just as much! Driving home, my son said seeing other people who stutter for the first time made him feel 'alive.'" ---Dolla Seng

Join the Boston - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Boston Adult ADULT CHAPTER HYBRID MEETINGS NORTHEAST REGION Official NSA Chapter - Massachusetts State Welcome to the NSA Boston Adult Chapter! The National Stuttering Association’s® motto: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®, is what our NSA Chapters are all about! Chapter meetings are open to people who stutter, family members of people who stutter, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone that wants to learn more about stuttering. Feel free to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) to find out more about our chapter. We hope you will join us! How do you typically meet? Hybrid Meetings What age group can attend? Adult What languages are spoken? English How much does it cost? Free! Meetings Here is information on the location and schedule of our meetings. Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for more information! Where? Location may vary around the Boston area. When? Monthly meetings alternate between virtual and in-person meetings, and social events. Meetings are typically held on the 1st Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM. For details about meetings/events and for any other information, please contact the Chapter Leaders. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? Sarah Onofri, Edmund Metzold, Lisa Greenleaf Chapter Leaders Get in touch! BostonStutters@gmail.com - http://www.bostonstutters.com Questions? We know that attending your first NSA Chapter meeting might be a little intimidating so we’ve tried to answer some of your questions! We know once you get there, you’ll be greeted by Chapter Leaders who have been in your shoes before and are happy to welcome you! Testimonials Read more about the power of chapters and support groups from NSA members themselves! "The NSA Boston Chapters gave me true belonging. I found people who feel like family—who check in, cheer me on, and make me feel seen. Parents and fellow adults became the strongest supporters of my voice. My growth began the moment I found this group." ---Michèle Ayoub "NSA meetings give me a rare space to openly discuss stuttering and learn from others’ experiences. The Boston Chapter is welcoming, and the monthly meetings help me meet people who stutter and get support for the challenges we share." ---Andrew Meier "My first NSA Boston gathering as a teen changed how I saw my stutter—I finally heard others stutter too. After attending the 2021 NSA Conference, I went from seeing my stutter as my enemy to seeing it as my greatest frenemy." ---Ethan Gioscia

Join the Zanesville - Adult stuttering support group. Connect with others, share experiences, and access resources through the National Stuttering Association. Zanesville ADULT CHAPTER IN-PERSON MEETINGS CENTRAL NORTH REGION Official NSA Chapter - Ohio State Welcome to the NSA Zanesville Chapter! The National Stuttering Association’s® motto: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®, is what our NSA Chapters are all about! Chapter meetings are open to people who stutter, family members of people who stutter, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone that wants to learn more about stuttering. Feel free to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) to find out more about our chapter. We hope you will join us! How do you typically meet? In-Person Meetings What age group can attend? Adult What languages are spoken? English How much does it cost? Free! Meetings Here is information on the location and schedule of our meetings. Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for more information! Where? Location may vary around the Zanesville area. When? Meetings are held periodically. Chapter Leaders Who leads the meetings? KC Frick Chapter Leader Get in touch! kcmari@yahoo.com (704) 607-5095 (call or text) - Questions? We know that attending your first NSA Chapter meeting might be a little intimidating so we’ve tried to answer some of your questions! We know once you get there, you’ll be greeted by Chapter Leaders who have been in your shoes before and are happy to welcome you! What are NSA Local Chapters? Our network of local chapters are powerful spaces where you can connect directly with your local stuttering community. We have both Adult Chapters and Family Chapters — there really is something for everyone! Read more about NSA Chapters and plan to attend a meeting near you! What does a local NSA chapter do? Our purpose is to provide information, advocacy and mutual support for people who stutter, their families, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Come join us and experience the NSA’s motto in action: If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone®. How can I find a local NSA chapter? You can find a local NSA chapter by using the chapter locator on our website. Simply enter your location to find the nearest chapter and contact details. Visit our Chapter Locator to find a chapter near you. What happens at an NSA meeting? Your Chapter Leader may prepare a topic for the meeting or might open the floor for discussion and see where things go. Some chapters may also host social events outside of the traditional chapter meeting. The magic of the NSA is just being among other people who stutter, building connections, and having fun while doing it! NSA Chapters give people who stutter, their families and SLPs, a chance to connect and have fun-filled experiences together! Who attends an NSA Chapter? People who stutter (of all ages), their family and friends, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and anyone with a special interest in stuttering are welcome at our chapters! Do I need to RSVP before attending? While you don’t need to RSVP before attending, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) before the meeting to let them know you’re coming. We love knowing who to look for at a meeting! Do you offer virtual chapter meetings? Some of our NSA local chapters are meeting virtually - you can join them from wherever you are! On our chapter locator page, search by meeting type and look for hybrid and virtual chapters! Reach out to the Chapter Leader(s) for information on joining their meeting. Testimonials Read more about the power of chapters and support groups from NSA members themselves! "When I attended my first conference in 2019. I was welcomed into this "stamily" with open arms and haven't left the bear hug since!" Lexi Hewitt Exton, PA Chapter "Other people who stutter are the best sources of support, love, and encouragement on your journey. Don't be afraid to reach out, no matter what stage you're at." Gina Waggott Author, Entrepreneur "This community has helped me rediscover myself as a confident and capable person who stutters." John Ontiveros Lorem, CA Chapter

For many people who stutter (PWS), being quiet feels safer. As kids or teens, we may have learned that speaking up invites stares, interruptions, or worse—mocking or laughter. Over time, we adapt. We avoid reading aloud. We let others order for us. We smile or walk away entirely instead of introducing ourselves. These behaviors aren’t personality quirks. They’re survival strategies. But they can also lead us to misidentify ourselves as shy or “just not a people person.” Sometimes, we label ourselves as introverts—not because that’s who we actually are, but because silence was the only safe option for us growing up. The Turning Point: When Hiding Isn’t Enough At some point, many of us reach a moment of reckoning. Maybe it’s a group project in college. A job interview. A colleague who says, “You don’t talk much.” For PWS, that moment can feel absolutely terrifying—but also freeing, because it opens the door to something new. It finally shifts from “How do I avoid stuttering?” to “How do I show up fully—even if I stutter?” “Even when I still stuttered, I began speaking up when I realized that my communication partners were more interested in what I had to say than how I said it. As people who stutter, we can hyper-fixate on the way in which we speak. When I started to let go of the need to be perfectly fluent, it became apparent that my communication partners paid little attention to the ‘how’ of my speech and were only concerned with the content of our discussions.” — Mackenzie Smith, a person who stutters  What It Means to Become an Extrovert—On Your Terms Let’s be clear: Extroversion doesn’t mean you just… never feel nervous. It doesn’t mean stuttering disappears. And it doesn’t mean you become the loudest person in the room. What it does  mean is you speak up, even when it’s hard, you start conversations, you share your story, and you get it through your brain that connection matters more than fluency. “I remember being told by adults in my life that what I had to say was worth waiting for. It made me realize that what I was saying was far more important than how I said it.” — Edmund Metzold, a person who stutters Tips for Building Communication Confidence Whether you’re naturally quiet or learning to come out of your shell, here’s how to build social confidence while honoring your voice: Join a community where stuttering is normal Being around others who stutter changes everything. You hear stories like yours. You stop feeling alone. You realize that stuttering doesn’t need to be hidden or fixed. “I stopped trying to ‘fix’ my stuttering when I realized that we as humans are all uniquely different, each with our own complexities and quirks. For so long, I wrestled with the idea that my speech must conform to that of a ‘typical’ speaker. However, this act of conforming would essentially erase a large part of what made me, me.” — Mackenzie Smith Start small, but start often Say hi to a cashier. Share your opinion in a group call. Introduce yourself in a Zoom meeting. Confidence is built in tiny moments of courage. Use disclosure to take control Letting people know you stutter can ease pressure and invite connection. Try something simple like, “Just so you know, I stutter. Thanks for your patience.” Celebrate your wins (yes, even the “small” ones) Did you speak up, even if you stuttered through every word? That’s a win. Every time you use your voice, you're practicing being seen. “There have been so many moments when doing theatre where I had to make the choice between being fluent but emotionless, or emote while stuttering. I almost always chose the latter, which helped me choose self-expression in real life as well.” — Edmund Metzold Redefining the Narrative There’s no “right” way to be a person who stutters. Some PWS are introverts. Others are extroverts. Many are somewhere in between. What matters most isn’t where you fall on the spectrum—but whether you feel empowered to communicate as you are . You don’t have to change your personality to grow. But if silence has been a protective shield, it’s okay to put it down. Stuttering doesn’t have to make your world smaller. Sometimes, it’s the very thing that pushes you to grow bigger and braver. “I realized that confidence does not depend on fluency when I started observing those around me—in the workplace, with friends, and in public spaces. When you really listen, it becomes clear that no one's speech is 100% fluent 100% of the time. We all stumble, mispronounce, rephrase, and for some, stutter. This is inherently what makes us imperfectly human.” — Mackenzie Smith Final Thoughts The journey from introversion to extroversion isn’t about changing who you are in every sense of the word—it’s about reclaiming who you were before fear took the mic. You don’t have to be fluent to be social. You don’t have to be fast to be heard. You just have to show up and speak in your own way. “Never be the one to tell yourself you cannot do something. You have to be your biggest supporter. If you aren't, there's no telling how many incredible opportunities you may let pass you by in fear of what others may think. Your thoughts and opinions matter, and the way in which you convey them does not take away from the messages themselves.” — Mackenzie Smith Looking to connect with others? Join an NSA Chapter  or explore our virtual events .

For children who stutter, school is a place of connection and learning—but it can also be a source of stress. Teasing and bullying from peers about how they speak can deeply impact self-esteem, confidence, and willingness to communicate. It is a fear many caregivers share and one that deserves proactive solutions. “Teasing/bullying has been a mommy fear of mine from the beginning. One time, our son came home and told us that he was teased on the bus after school. We have always told him that if there was any issue on the bus or at school, he should find a trusted adult. He tried to handle things himself, so along with his private SLP, we started self-advocacy. As a parent not with him 24/7, it hurts my heart to think about him in these positions. We have really tried to help him realize we can't control others, but we can control how we respond.” — Melinda Eairheart, mom of a 12-year-old who stutters The good news is that you are not powerless. With the right tools and support, you can help your child feel safe, build resilience, and ensure that their voice is not silenced by fear. This guide walks you through what to watch for, what to say, and how to work with schools to enact meaningful change. Recognizing the Signs of Teasing and Bullying Children do not always tell their caretakers when something is wrong. Many kids who stutter may try to hide how often they are teased—or feel that nothing can be done. That is why it is important to watch for signs, both subtle and direct. Red flags may include: Reluctance to go to school or participate in class Changes in mood, sleep, or appetite Avoidance of speaking situations, even at home Negative self-talk like “I hate my voice” or “No one listens to me” An increase in stuttering severity or signs of tension while speaking While these behaviors may have many causes, they are definitely worth exploring gently with your child. Ask open-ended questions like, “How do you feel about talking in class?” or “Has anyone ever made you feel bad about how you talk?” Coaching Confident Responses at Home You can’t control what others do or say, but you can prepare your child to respond in ways that advocate for themselves while protecting their self-worth and confidence. Responses don’t have to be perfect. They just need to help your child feel in control and supported. “As a person who stutters, my son Colton has watched me stutter throughout his life. My confidence with speaking, stuttering, and acceptance has helped him be confident and have acceptance as well. Our entire family is patient with Colton and me when we speak and it has created a welcoming, normal, accepting environment across all settings. Also, Colton created a stuttering presentation with the assistance of his SLP starting in kindergarten that he would share each year with his teacher and classmates. This opportunity to educate others about stuttering has created a supportive and accepting environment throughout his time in school. The presentation provided info about stuttering and ways to help someone who stutters.” — Holly Nover, person who stutters and mom of a 14-year-old who stutters Here are some ideas to explore together: “Yeah, I stutter. I am still talking—please let me finish.” “I just talk differently. That’s okay.” “You don’t need to fix or help me. I’m just fine the way I talk.” Role-playing these moments at home can be helpful. Practice different scenarios together. Encourage your child to use their voice, pause when they need to, and know they can always come to you. Also remind them that it’s okay to walk away, ignore rude comments, or get help from an adult. “In elementary grades, his SLP had him make a "This is Me" slideshow in August to send all of his teachers, explaining facts about himself, including information about his stutter and how teachers can support him. He has continued through seventh grade! Partner with NSA, use their online resources, find a Local Chapter (or online version), and embrace your child and their speech journey together! Finally, find someone who also stutters that your child can relate to. My son/family came together to watch Mitch Guerra on Survivor and I think it was great for him to see a person who stutters represented!” — Melinda Eairheart Building a Safe and Supportive School Environment Your child’s school should be a place where they feel safe, respected, and included. If bullying is happening—or even if you suspect it might—it is important to engage with teachers, counselors, and administrators proactively. Here is how you can start: 1. Schedule a meeting. Talk directly with your child’s teacher or school counselor. Share your observations and ask if they have noticed any behavioral changes. “I've emailed teachers asking to keep an ear out and let me know. This last year, I guess a group of middle school boys said something about his stutter. Sadly, he just doesn't speak around them in that class. He stutters freely at home. He stutters around those he knows are okay with his stutter. He says when he's around those whom he doesn't feel comfortable, he either uses strategies or refrains from speaking.” — Melinda Eairheart 2. Educate about stuttering. Many educators are not familiar with the emotional impact of stuttering. Provide resources (like those from the National Stuttering Association [NSA]) that explain what stuttering is  and how to support students who stutter . 3. Request a classroom-wide approach. Work with the school to ensure that kindness, empathy, and inclusion are modeled for all students. Anti-bullying messages should not single out your child, but promote respect for everyone . 4. Know your rights. If teasing or bullying continues, or if your child’s speech is affecting their academic experience, you may be entitled to accommodations or support through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan . The NSA offers tools to help caregivers advocate within the education system and guide these conversations effectively. Supporting Your Child Emotionally Even with strong advocacy, teasing still hurts. Your child may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or want to avoid speaking altogether. This is where your consistent support makes the greatest difference. Try the following: Reassure your child that stuttering is not their fault and that they are not alone Celebrate their bravery, not  their fluency Talk openly about feelings and encourage emotional expression Normalize asking for help and practicing self-care Let your child know that being teased says more about the other person than it does about them. Their voice is not broken and it does not need to be hidden. Connecting With Other Families and PWS One of the most powerful antidotes to bullying is connection. When children who stutter meet others like them, they often feel more confident and less alone. NSA Family Chapters, virtual events, and youth programs create safe spaces for children and caregivers to find community and share experiences. These connections help children reclaim their voice—not just in school, but everywhere. “Attending NSA Conferences with Colton has given him the opportunity to meet and speak with other people who stutter. Support your child by asking what you can do to help them advocate and what they want you to do when they stutter.” — Holly Nover Stuttering should never be a reason for a child to feel excluded, unsafe, or afraid to speak. As a parent, you are your child’s strongest advocate. By recognizing the signs of teasing, preparing them with confident language, and partnering with schools, you are helping build a world that hears and respects every voice. The NSA is here to support you with resources, education, and a community that understands. “Attending the NSA Conferences has greatly helped my understanding of the brain and speech science and overall support for people who stutter. Six years ago, the goal was correction and now the goal is supporting him to raise his confidence for all of life's next steps. COME TO THE NSA CONFERENCE! Our whole family was able to attend the last two years and we have all got so much out of the experience. Our son has loved getting to know his group of friends.” — Melinda Eairheart Learn More and Get Involved Explore more tools for caregivers at WeStutter.org/parents . Connect with others through Family Chapters and virtual meetups at WeStutter.org/families Find an NSA Chapter today at WeStutter.org/join-a-chapter .

The National Stuttering Association is proud to highlight Dr. Christopher Constantino, Associate Professor at Florida State University, whose research is uncovering how stuttering identity shapes emotional well-being. A recipient of the 2019 Canadeo Award, Dr. Constantino is exploring what it means to truly feel good about being a person who stutters. Why Stuttering Research Matters Dr. Constantino’s project began with a question: How does stuttering impact someone’s sense of self and their emotions during everyday speaking? “I was interested in how aspects of a speaker’s stuttering identity impacted their well-being while speaking,” Dr. Constantino explained. “Specifically, I measured stuttering’s centrality (how important it is to a speaker’s sense of self), private regard (their attitude toward stuttering), and positive and negative affect (how they were feeling in a particular moment).” He also tracked stuttering’s salience—how aware participants were of their stuttering during conversations—and measured spontaneity and fluency. Studying Life as It Happens Rather than relying solely on lab settings, Dr. Constantino took his research into the real world. He used the experience sampling method, asking adults to complete brief surveys on their smartphones multiple times a day for a week.  “This allowed me to measure their subjective experience of speaking in the real world, as it occurred during their everyday life,” he said. What Dr. Constantino Found The results are striking: When someone is highly aware of their stuttering (high salience), having stuttering as a central part of their identity can help them feel better. Feeling good about being a person who stutters (private regard) supports positive emotions, especially when stuttering is highly noticeable. The less effort a speaker puts into speaking, the better they feel. In contrast, speaking fluently with effort can make someone feel worse. “This is the first study documenting that salience of stuttering can be anything other than negative,” Dr. Constantino said. “Furthermore, stuttering salience was not just neutral; it was positive! This is a real, documented benefit of stuttering. We have measured stuttering gain.” Implications for Therapy and Support These findings have major implications for how people who stutter—and the professionals who support them—approach therapy. Traditional approaches often aim to create fluent speakers at all costs, but Dr. Constantino’s research suggests a different path. “These findings show that therapies that pursue a false fluent identity forfeit the potential well-being gains of a positive stuttering identity,” he said. “Increasing private regard for stuttering improves psychological outcomes and may be tied to speaking more spontaneously. Therapy should target integrating stuttering into one’s sense of self and cultivating a sense of stuttering pride.” This perspective is central to Stutter-Affirming Therapy, which Dr. Constantino developed to help speakers embrace stuttering rather than reject it. The approach has three main priorities: Reject fluency by reducing stutterphobic reactions and increasing stutterphilic reactions. Value stuttering by discovering what speakers gain from it. Create an environment in which it’s easier to stutter through education, advocacy, disclosure, and voluntary stuttering. Looking Ahead Dr. Constantino is continuing to expand this research. His work promises to influence not only therapy practices but also how stuttering is understood, discussed, and valued in everyday life. “The next step is to study how to facilitate a more positive stuttering identity by increasing centrality and private regard,” he said.  For those interested in learning more, Dr. Constantino presented his findings at the Oxford Stuttering and Cluttering Research Conference and plans to publish them soon.