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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.

Understanding Claim Denials Many families and individuals who stutter face insurance claim denials when seeking coverage for speech therapy. These denials often result from outdated policies that classify stuttering treatment as “non-medical” or “developmental.” In reality, stuttering is a neurological communication disorder, and speech-language pathology services are both medically necessary and evidence-based. Note: While stuttering is a natural variation of speech, speech therapy is medically necessary and should be covered by insurance when it significantly affects daily communication. The medical terms “fluency disorder” or “communication disorder” may sound inconsistent with the inclusive language used across other NSA resources, but they are important to include when communicating with insurance companies to facilitate coverage for stuttering therapy services. If your insurance claim has been denied, do not be discouraged. Many successful appeals happen when the right information and supporting documentation are provided. Steps to Appeal a Denied Claim 1. Review the Denial Letter Carefully Begin by reading the denial letter in detail. The reason for denial is usually stated clearly. Common reasons include: “The service is not covered under the plan.” “The service is considered educational, not medical.” “Preauthorization was not obtained.” Understanding the exact reason helps you respond effectively. 2. Request Documentation and Clarification Contact your insurance provider to confirm what information they need for reconsideration. Ask whether they require a Letter of Medical Necessity, therapy reports, or diagnostic codes from your speech-language pathologist. 3. Obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity Your speech-language pathologist (SLP) can write a formal letter outlining why treatment is necessary. The letter should: Include the medical diagnosis (for example, ICD-10 code F98.5: Childhood-Onset Fluency Disorder). Describe the severity of stuttering and its impact on communication, social participation, and education. Explain that therapy is evidence-based and aimed at improving quality of life and communication confidence. Reference authoritative sources such as ASHA and the National Stuttering Association. 4. Write and Submit Your Appeal Letter Use a professional tone and reference policy details when writing your appeal. Be specific and include any supporting documents, such as therapy notes or physician referrals. Keep copies of everything you submit. Sample Appeal Letter (For Parents or Caregivers) [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Email Address] [Phone Number] Date To: [Insurance Company Name] Att: Appeals Department [Insurance Company Address] Re: Appeal for Denied Claim for Speech Therapy Services Policy Number: [Insert Policy Number] Claim Number: [Insert Claim Number] Dear [Insurance Representative Name], I am writing to formally appeal the denial of coverage for speech therapy services for my child, [Child’s Name], diagnosed with Childhood-Onset Fluency Disorder (ICD-10 Code F98.5). Stuttering is a recognized neurological communication disorder that affects speech fluency, timing, and physical coordination. Speech therapy for stuttering is a medically necessary service supported by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the National Stuttering Association (NSA). Your denial stated that [insert reason for denial]. However, evidence-based treatment provided by a certified speech-language pathologist directly supports communication development, social participation, and mental well-being. Limiting coverage for stuttering therapy contradicts current medical understanding of the condition. Please reconsider this decision and approve coverage for continued therapy. I have enclosed documentation from our speech-language pathologist, including a Letter of Medical Necessity, progress reports, and supporting materials. Thank you for your prompt attention to this appeal. I look forward to your response and a fair review of this case. Sincerely, [Your Full Name] Sample Letter of Medical Necessity (From a Speech-Language Pathologist) [SLP Name, Credentials] [Practice or Clinic Name] [Address] [City, State ZIP] [Email] [Phone Number] Date To: [Insurance Company Name] Att: Medical Review Department Re: Letter of Medical Necessity for [Patient Name] Diagnosis: Childhood-Onset Fluency Disorder (ICD-10 Code F98.5) Dear Medical Review Team, I am writing to provide documentation supporting the medical necessity of speech therapy services for [Patient Name], a [child/adolescent/adult] with a diagnosis of stuttering. Stuttering is a neurodevelopmental communication disorder affecting speech fluency, timing, and coordination. The resulting disfluencies significantly impact [his/her/their] ability to communicate effectively in academic, social, and everyday settings. Speech therapy for stuttering is an evidence-based, medically necessary intervention aimed at improving communication confidence, reducing avoidance, and supporting functional communication outcomes. These interventions are consistent with best practices established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and endorsed by the National Stuttering Association (NSA). I respectfully request reconsideration and approval for coverage of these services. Treatment is essential to support communication ability and improve participation in daily life. Sincerely, [SLP Name, Credentials, License Number] Speech-Language Pathologist Follow-Up and Additional Support If your appeal is denied again, you may submit a second-level appeal or request an external review through your state’s insurance commission. The National Stuttering Association can provide letters of support or assist in connecting you with advocates experienced in speech therapy coverage disputes. For assistance, contact the National Stuttering Association. Tips for a Successful Stuttering Insurance Appeal Stay organized and keep copies of all correspondence. Include clear documentation and supporting evidence with each submission. Reference clinical research and authoritative sources. Be persistent; multiple appeals are often necessary.

Stuttering is a communication difference that affects about 1% of the world’s population. It is not caused by parenting, anxiety, or personality. Research over the past several decades has strengthened our understanding of the neurophysiological foundations of stuttering and continues to refine how we support people who stutter and their families. At the National Stuttering Association (NSA), research is not separate from our community. It is part of our commitment to evidence-based education, stigma reduction, and meaningful support. Previous programs, such as the NSA Research Fund Award, the Canadeo Award, and the Advancement in Clinical Research Award, contributed meaningful insights to the field. Active programs, including the Graduate Student Research Award (GSRA) and the Community, Advocacy, Support, and Education (CASE) Research Grant, currently serve as our active research initiatives, continuing to advance work that informs practice and lived experience. The studies highlighted below represent just a portion of NSA-supported research shaping the field today. Exploring Self‑Compassion & Quality of Life of People Who Stutter NSA-funded stuttering research expands how we think about what really matters for people who stutter. One example comes from speech‑language pathologist (SLP) and researcher Dr. Robyn Croft Albaum, whose work links self‑compassion with quality of life for adults who stutter. When Dr. Croft Albaum received the Research Fund Award early in her doctoral training in 2020, she pursued an innovative pilot study exploring online self‑compassion interventions—an area that hadn’t yet been widely examined in stuttering research. She found that: Adults who participated in the self‑compassion intervention showed notable increases in self‑compassion, adopting kinder, less self‑critical ways of relating to themselves in challenging moments. Increases in self‑compassion were linked with improvements in quality of life, suggesting that how people feel about themselves can be as meaningful as how they communicate. Psychosocial strengths like self‑compassion may play a vital and measurable role in overall well‑being for people who stutter—beyond speech fluency alone. These findings were published in the International Journal of Speech‑Language Pathology and shared at major national and international conferences, helping shape conversations about psychological experience, identity, and communication confidence. Re-Examining Advice Given to Caregivers of Children Who Stutter For decades, caretakers of young children who stutter have often been advised to slow their speech, ask fewer questions, pause more between conversational turns, and/or simplify their language. Dr. Nan Bernstein Ratner, professor at the University of Maryland and recipient of the 2021 CASE Research Grant, sought to evaluate whether these commonly recommended strategies are supported by evidence. Using archival data from a large federally funded longitudinal study of 80 families, her team analyzed parent-child interactions over a three-year period. They examined speech rate, turn-taking patterns, questioning frequency, and language complexity in families of: Children who recovered from stuttering Children whose stuttering persisted Children who did not stutter The findings of this study found that these speech characteristics did not predict which children would recover and which would persist. As Dr. Bernstein Ratner noted, recommendations lacking evidence can unintentionally increase parental guilt if stuttering persists. Her work reinforces that a parenting style does not cause stuttering and that families should not bear misplaced responsibility. This research strengthens evidence-based practice and calls for more prospective studies to validate early intervention recommendations. How Identity, Awareness, & Emotional Well-Being Connect for People Who Stutter Stuttering is not only a speech difference; it’s also a lived experience shaped by identity, perception, and environment. Dr. Christopher Constantino, associate professor at Florida State University and recipient of the 2019 Canadeo Award, examined how aspects of stuttering identity relate to emotional well-being in adults who stutter. Using real-time smartphone surveys across daily life, he measured: How central stuttering is to a person’s identity How positively they feel about being a person who stutters How aware they are of their stuttering in specific moments His findings revealed that individuals who viewed stuttering as an important part of who they are and held positive regard for it had increased awareness, which was associated with improved emotional outcomes. This study documented, for the first time, measurable psychological benefits linked to a positive stuttering identity. These findings are influencing therapy models that prioritize integration, resilience, and authenticity rather than concealment. Understanding Why Stuttering Persists Stuttering research helps us understand not only how people stutter but also why some continue to do so. Cara M. Singer, PhD, CCC-SLP, associate professor of Speech-Language Pathology at Grand Valley State University, received the NSA’s Research Fund Award in 2017. She focused on why some children recover from stuttering while others don’t. Dr. Singer studied how cognitive, emotional, and language factors influence whether stuttering persists. Her findings showed that attention, thinking patterns, and language skills all play a role—helping explain why some kids keep stuttering and others recover. She’s now expanding this work into practical interventions, like using books and activities to build resilience and confidence in young children who stutter. Her research shows that understanding the roots of stuttering directly shapes ways to support kids and their families. Bridging the Gap Between Speech Therapy & Everyday Life for People Who Stutter A common challenge in stuttering intervention is applying communication skills learned in therapy in everyday settings such as classrooms, workplaces, and social environments. Dr. John A. Tetnowski, the Jeanette Sias Endowed Chair in Speech Pathology at Oklahoma State University and a recipient of the 2022 CASE Research Grant, is investigating how virtual reality (VR) can help bridge this gap. His research with adolescents and adults who stutter uses immersive simulations to create realistic communication scenarios. Early findings suggest that VR can narrow the distance between gains achieved in the clinic and performance in everyday settings. Participants, particularly adolescents, adapted quickly to the technology and reported high engagement. VR offers repeated, structured exposure to challenging speaking situations in a controlled environment, potentially increasing confidence and carryover. This line of research represents how technology can expand access to meaningful practice opportunities, including for individuals in rural or underserved areas. The Connection Between Emotion & Speech Motor Control Understanding the interaction between emotional states and speech production remains an important area of inquiry. Dr. Kim Bauerly, associate professor at the University of Vermont and recipient of the 2016 Research Fund Award, examined how emotional states influence speech motor control in adults who stutter. Her findings reinforced that emotions do not cause stuttering. However, emotional states may interact with the neurological systems that coordinate speech movements. Research of this kind deepens our understanding of the complex biological and experiential factors involved in stuttering. Since receiving NSA funding, Dr. Bauerly has secured additional federal grants, including NIH funding, and continues to expand her research to include children who stutter. How the NSA Supports Emerging Scholars & Long-Term Impact The NSA’s GSRA has supported early-career researchers whose projects later grew into dissertations, peer-reviewed publications, and academic appointments. Dr. Ryan A. Millager, the 2022 GSRA recipient, began with a pilot study focused on young children who stutter and their interactions with caregivers. That pilot expanded into a successful dissertation and contributed to his appointment as an assistant professor at Rush University. He now continues this line of research while teaching future SLPs and developing clinical services to support people who stutter. Where Research Is Headed These examples illustrate how early-stage research support contributes to sustained impact within communication sciences and clinical practice. Despite significant progress in stuttering research, some important questions remain: Why do some children recover while others persist? Which early interventions meaningfully influence long-term outcomes? How can therapy best integrate identity, resilience, and real-world communication demands? How can technology enhance access and effectiveness? Addressing these questions requires rigorous, collaborative research and ongoing partnership between scientists, clinicians, and people who stutter. A Shared Commitment to Evidence & Community The NSA remains committed to supporting research that is scientifically sound, clinically relevant, and grounded in the lived experiences of people who stutter. Through funding initiatives, research-focused events, and translation of findings into easy-to-understand language, the NSA plays a unique role in connecting discovery to the stuttering community. Research informs how we educate families, train SLPs, shape DEI policy conversations, and strengthen our support networks. As the field continues to evolve, the work of NSA-funded researchers contributes to a clearer, more accurate understanding of stuttering—one that replaces assumption with evidence and stigma with knowledge. We are proud to support this work and to share its progress with our community! To learn more about our contribution to stuttering research, visit WeStutter.org.

For most people, public speaking is usually pretty nerve-wracking. You start to feel uncomfortable at the thought of being judged. But imagine telling jokes for a living as a person who stutters (PWS). Comedy and stuttering might seem like an unlikely pairing, but some amazing comedians have demonstrated that humor and speech diversity can flourish together. Here’s a closer look at how comedians who stutter not only find humor in human expression but also challenge the stigma around stuttering while connecting with their audiences on a whole new level. Stuttering on Stage: Breaking the Ice Comedy thrives on timing, rhythm, and that unexpected twist. Stuttering might seem like an obstacle to a punchline, but in the hands of a skilled comedian, it becomes part of the act itself. For many comedians who stutter, embracing their speech difference on stage opens up fresh, original material. They’re not only telling jokes - they’re sharing something vulnerable and refreshing. After Drew Lynch suffered an injury that triggered his stutter as a young adult, it didn’t shy Drew away from the spotlight. He made it to the finals on “America’s Got Talent,” turning his stutter into a comedic superpower. “I feel like a sideshow. I feel like for so long my career has been about 'the way' I'm saying something—not 'the things I'm saying.' Which, on a human level, can really invalidate all efforts to communicate. My career started because I made jokes about what was obviously there. But I think stuttering has taught me that people are quick to reduce you to what they hear or see... Only things they're experiencing on a surface level. When really, we're just trying to communicate that we're so much more than that. And that's why the power stuttering had over me could only be relinquished when I accepted that their perception is out of my control. And therefore not my responsibility.” — Drew Lynch, PWS and comedian When she was 22, Dallas-native Avy Taylor entered a pageant and, to prepare for the public speaking portion, decided to take a comedy class. What started as public speaking practice quickly turned into a love of making people laugh and making them happy. “I remember a time early on when I first started doing stand-up. I was still very nervous and just trying to survive my set. In the middle of my performance haze, I heard someone in the audience say, “What does she mean?” and it completely snapped me out of it. I realized I was speaking over everyone’s head, instead of interacting and engaging with the audience. That moment made me realize I was talking at people instead of with them. I was so focused on getting the words out that I wasn’t actually connecting. I learned that communication is a two-way street. People want to understand you. You can’t just speak at people and hope it lands. Even if you’re scared, you have to take the time to give people the opportunity to understand you.” — Avy Taylor, PWS and comedian Joze Piranian was afraid to speak for 25 years. Today, he shares his story with organizations such as the FBI, Meta, Google, and Netflix through motivational speaking or stand-up comedy. He also delivered a keynote titled ‘Can Stuttering and Confidence Co-Exist?' that impressed NSA conference attendees in 2023. “I would say that some of my stand-up material is about stuttering, and some of it is not. I think that if I do a short set, like a very brief one at a comedy club, all my jokes might end up being about stuttering. On the other hand, if I perform a longer set, like 30 or 45 minutes, then at least half of my material will likely cover a variety of topics, such as Hawaiian pizza or Pablo Escobar. I believe that the more experiences one has in life, the more sources of comedic material tend to emerge. Even if my comedy evolves with new experiences, I do think stuttering would remain at the core of my performance. The main reason I got into comedy was to change how I felt about being different. It was to address a deep insecurity. So, it's not that I became a stand-up comedian despite stuttering. I became one because of stuttering, or some might say, thanks to it. And that's an important distinction.” — Joze Piranian, PWS and comedian Spotlight: Voices That Break the Mold Aidan Greene is Ireland’s most popular stuttering comedian, with his performances blending vulnerability and wit. On stage, Aidan transforms his stutter into a well-delivered comedic performance—using pauses and repetitions as unexpected punchlines. Off stage, he’s a proud stuttering advocate, reminding audiences that a stutter doesn’t dull the shine of a good story. Nina G dubs herself as “The San Francisco Bay Area’s Only Female Stuttering Comedian”—a title she’s earned through years of carving out her place in the world of stand-up. When she started nearly a decade ago, she was the only woman with a stutter on the circuit. That’s no small feat in the male-dominated field of comedy, where stuttering itself is often misunderstood, laughed at, or sidelined. Laughing With, Not At There’s a difference between laughing at something and laughing with it. These comedians are reclaiming the narrative. They decide how to talk about their speech—often weaving their experiences into jokes that highlight the quirks and joys of everyday communication. In interviews, Drew often emphasizes that his stutter doesn’t define him. Aidan uses his voice to help destigmatize stuttering. Nina uses humor to push back against social norms around speech. In doing so, they remind us that comedy is more than just perfection; it’s finding one's place on the mic. “Stuttering changed me for the better because it taught me to have compassion while listening. Some people might take a little more time to communicate their thoughts, but that doesn't make it any less valid. It took me experiencing mistreatment in that regard first hand to have grace for both the person struggling to speak, and the person struggling to listen—because I've been both.” — Drew Lynch Avy encourages listeners to be patient with PWS: “We are working our darn hardest to get the words out, so please don’t look away. I was talking to a girl recently and I was stuttering. Instead of getting awkward, she stayed with me. She kept eye contact, nodded along, and smiled while I worked through my speech block. Patience, eye contact, and a smile go a long way for someone who is stuttering.” — Avy Taylor Joze Piranian defends himself against the trolls who mock him with his iconic wit: “Since I do acknowledge my stutter right away, people usually get with the program and accept it, like "okay, we’re with him on this journey through the space-time continuum." However, I’ll be performing at a comedy club and hear someone laugh during the setup. That’s when I’m stuttering in the premise of the joke, and they laugh instead of waiting until the punchline. When that happens, I always acknowledge it. So, if I'm starting a joke and I hear someone laugh right after I get stuck on a word, I might think it’s just random at first. But if it happens again and they laugh each time I get stuck, I realize it’s becoming a pattern. Sometimes I'll ask, "Wait, are you still laughing at my previous punchline?" and then I'll say, "Look, I cannot go any slower than this, so you have to keep up," and I will acknowledge it in a way that makes it clear to the audience that I am aware of what’s happening.” — Joze Piranian Mainstream Comedy as Stuttering Advocacy When comedians talk openly about their stuttering, they set the example that stuttering is simply a human expression. They show audiences that stuttering isn’t something to be ashamed of or hidden—it’s one part of life; how we talk. “The biggest misconception in my experience with stuttering as a comedian is that I'm terrified to stutter. I used to make many jokes about my stutter, which helped me stay in control if I did... but now, even with years of rehabilitation, when I think I've got a handle on it, it shows up. I try to surrender to the idea that I'm never fully in control, which takes some pressure off of ‘expectation.’ In the event that I stutter on stage, I'm never frustrated. I try to be comfortable showing the authentic part of me that says, 'Hey, I'm okay with this detour right now because I'm okay being human.' I'm okay with you seeing me at my best, and I'm okay with you seeing me be vulnerable—because when I'm vulnerable is when I'm at my best.” — Drew Lynch When Avy first started in the comedy scene, she said she thought she had to hide her stutter to be successful. She said in reality, the audience wants to connect with a real person. People attend comedy shows to escape from the polished version of life that everyone is expected to portray. And she encourages PWS to be brave: “You’ll be successful in comedy—heck, even in life—when you own everything that makes you different. The world needs to hear our voices. Don’t wait for permission to take up space. Be brave and refuse to shrink yourself. Stay persistent and keep making your voice heard. The world will change when we show up, speak up, and redefine what it means to be someone who stutters.” — Avy Taylor Joze’s global success as a comedian demonstrates that stuttering can be recognized across different languages, cultures, and continents: “On one hand, stuttering is universal. It can exist in every community, in every country, in every culture, in every language. And in that sense, there will always be at least a minimal understanding of stuttering among humans. So in that sense, when a comedian starts to stutter, no one is completely dazzled or astonished by the concept of someone getting stuck on their words, which helps. So the fact that it is a universal experience that exists cross-culturally means jokes that work in one language or in one country involving stuttering will typically work in another. At least that's what I have found in other countries and languages, too.” — Joze Piranian, PWS and comedian A Final Laugh—and a Challenge Next time you’re at a comedy show or scrolling through stand-up clips online, listen for the unexpected. Listen for the pause, the repetition, the realness that comes from a comedian who stutters. You might just find that the best punchlines are the ones that come with a little extra pause. Learn more about stuttering.

By Michele Murphy My now 17-year old son, Kevin, started stuttering around the time he began talking at age 3. His older brother, Sean, was around 4-1/2 years of age at the time, and was a model of fluency and advanced articulation skills. So when our pediatrician told us that Kevin’s delayed speech was because his brother spoke for him and he didn’t need to talk, that made sense. And when the pediatrician said that Kevin would grow out of his stuttering, that made sense too. So in those critical years from 3 to 7 years of age, we did nothing but listen to the ill-informed, ill-advised and patently wrong advice of our well-intentioned but stuttering-ignorant pediatrician. Our next big mistake in dealing with Kevin’s stuttering was in taking adequate comfort from the fact that he was seeing various elementary school speech therapists. We naively thought that every school speech therapist would know whatever was needed to effectively deal with speech disorders such as stuttering. The next blunder actually led us towards a path that has been most successful for Kevin. By age 12, it was apparent that Kevin wasn’t going to outgrow stuttering, and the school speech therapy was not helping. So when we heard about an experimental fluency technique using a bio feedback device we jumped at it and brought Kevin for a tryout. I remember my airflow cutting off when the speech pathologist conducting the trial run said that Kevin was one of the few persons that did not experience any greater fluency while using the device. It came as an even greater blow when he stated that Kevin was one of the most severe stutterers he had ever seen. That was one of the lowest points of my life. I was wracked with guilt (I must have somehow caused this awful disorder) and despair (what kind of life would Kevin have ahead of him if he couldn’t even express himself). In closing, the therapist suggested we contact Temple University in Philadelphia, where the speech-language pathology department had significant experience dealing with stuttering. When we took Kevin to Temple for a consultation, it was the first time I really came to terms with the severity of his stuttering. I sat behind a one-way mirror and watched in horror as my son blocked severely on almost every word. The tears that I had been holding back for years came cascading over my eyelashes. There was some good news, however. The speech therapist who interviewed Kevin was really impressed by Kevin’s self esteem and sense of humor in the face of his severe stuttering. They strongly recommended private speech therapy with a speech pathologist experienced in dealing with stutterers. Kevin soon began weekly speech therapy sessions with a well known speech pathologist who specializes in stuttering. Kevin gained a lot of fluency in the therapy sessions, but even more important, he started on the path towards becoming an expert on his own stuttering, and really connected with his therapist on an interpersonal level. Two years later, we moved to Utah. Within months, Kevin had lost what fluency he had gained and was at an all-time high level of disfluency. That’s when I heard a radio advertisement for the National Stuttering Project, the nation’s largest support organization for people who stutter. After a phone call to the NSP’s (now NSA) national office, Kevin and I signed up for the NSP’s Annual Convention in Denver that year. What happened at that first convention is almost impossible to put into words. Suffice it to say that Kevin and I both experienced a turning point in our lives. I was able to shed the guilt that I had somehow caused Kevin’s stuttering, and accept the realization that neither could I “fix” it. I became part of a support group of other parents of children who stutter that has been a lifeline to me ever since. And I started my journey to becoming educated on the subject of stuttering. With more than 400 people who stutter in attendance, Kevin truly came to know and understand that he is not alone in dealing with his stuttering. He also continued his journey of gaining the education necessary to become an expert in his stuttering. Most importantly, Kevin began friendships with renowned speech pathologists, adults who stutter and youth who stutter that are his lifeline. At that first NSP convention, we also met a speech-language pathologist from Utah who specializes in stuttering. Kevin has been in treatment with him for several years and has profited enormously. Kevin also attended the Successful Stuttering Management Program (SSMP), a three-week intensive stuttering program, two summers ago. We also have remained active in the NSP, and in three years Kevin hasn’t missed a single local NSP meeting or national convention. This combination of appropriate speech therapy, participation in the NSP and an intensive speech therapy program such as the SSMP has placed and kept Kevin on the best possible course for dealing effectively with his stuttering. Yes, Kevin still stutters, sometimes even severely, but he has tools that enable him to communicate better and he does not carry the psychological burden that often accompanies stuttering. In short, his pain and mine over his stuttering are gone. In its place is knowledge, understanding, acceptance and a family of NSP members who love and support us. In hindsight, what would I have done differently? I would have educated myself about stuttering as soon as Kevin began to experience it. There are many sources of information, especially on the web, including the NSP and the Stuttering Foundation of America’s web sites. Next, at the age of three, and for as long as necessary, I would have arranged private speech therapy for Kevin from a speech-language pathologist with successful experience in treating children who stutter. If we continued with school speech therapists, I would have worked to get Kevin the same type of appropriate speech therapy through the school system. Finally, I would have had Kevin participate in the NSP at an earlier age. Knowing what I know now, if that had been done, Kevin might truly have “grown out of stuttering” as wrongly predicted by his pediatrician, because of the proven success of early intervention. We do not spend a lot of time regretting that we did not act sooner, however. Kevin is wise, loving and compassionate beyond his years: in part because of his stuttering and not in spite of it. The adversity that he has experienced has helped him to grow in so many beautiful ways. What’s important, for anyone who stutters, is to get the kind of help Kevin got regardless of age. Early intervention is best, but it is never too late! … MICHELE MURPHY IS AN NSA MEMBER AND AN ATTORNEY IN SALT LAKE CITY UTAH. THIS PIECE FIRST APPEARED IN ADVANCE FOR SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS.

Acquired Stuttering  – is a broad term that refers to non-developmental stuttering and is interchanged with other terms such as “adult onset stuttering”, “neurogenic stuttering”, and “psychogenic stuttering”. Advertising  – (also known as ‘disclosing’) stuttering refers to being open about the subject of stuttering; letting other people know from the start of a conversation that you are a person who stutters. Self-advertising can be an empowering strategy for people to use, especially covert stutterers, so they do not feel the pressing need to hide their stuttering. It can also reduce or eliminate avoidance and secondary stuttering behaviors. Through self-advertising, people can realize that it acceptable to stutter in front of others and that one does not need to have flawless speech to be an effective communicator.  See Disclosing. Block  – when vocalizing stops before or during a sound or word Bullying  – When words or deeds are used to hurt someone or cause harm. Bullies try to make the person they are bullying feel afraid, rejected, or hurt. (This is contrasted with Teasing which is what we have all experienced and enjoyed as harmless “ribbing” from our family and friends; a way to show love or good feelings toward others. Teasing is having fun. Unlike bullying, it is not meant to control or harm anyone). Cluttering  – a type of fluency disorder that can coincide with stuttering or occur by itself. Cluttered speech may include rapid and/or irregular speech rate, atypical pauses, excessive linguistic nonfluencies, decreased awareness of one’s intelligibility, collapsing or omitting syllables, and language issues in general. Covert Stuttering – Covert stuttering is a strategy employed by a person who stutters to hide an otherwise overt, audible stutter. A covert stutterer may use word substitutions, circumlocution, and avoid certain words and situations which may trigger stuttering. People who are covert stutterers may go to great lengths to conceal their stuttering from others. Desensitization  – A process through which people can successfully overcome their fears, as well as other negative emotions such as shame or guilt, by gradually experiencing them in a supportive environment following a systematic, controlled hierarchy. Developmental Stuttering – occurs in young children who are still acquiring speech and language skills. Most scientists and clinicians believe that developmental stuttering stems from complex interactions of multiple factors including neurophysiological differences and genetics. Disclosing – (also known as ‘advertising’) stuttering refers to being open about the subject of stuttering; letting other people know from the start of a conversation that you are a person who stutters. Self-advertising can be an empowering strategy for people to use, especially covert stutterers, so they do not feel the pressing need to hide their stuttering. It can also reduce or eliminate avoidance and secondary stuttering behaviors. Through self-advertising, people can realize that it acceptable to stutter in front of others and that one does not need to have flawless speech to be an effective communicator.  See Advertising . Dysfluency  – the interruption in the smooth flow of speech, such as a pause or repetition of a word or part of a word. Evaluation  – Certified speech-language pathologists (SLPs) perform evaluations, or formal assessments, to determine whether an individual has a speech or language disruption. During a typical evaluation for a child, the SLP obtains a case history from the parents and observes/interacts with the child. Standardized tests are administered and informal observational assessments are conducted for both children and adults to determine a proper diagnosis. In a stuttering evaluation, the SLP may ask the clients about their family history, the stuttering history, how stuttering affects their daily lives, how they perceive their stuttering and their personal goals for treatment. This information is used to determine what kind of dysfluencies the person demonstrates, whether there are any complicating factors, the prognosis for improvement and possible goals for therapy. Fluency Shaping – a behavioral speech therapy approach that aims to alter clients’ breathing, speech rate, voice production, and articulation to elicit fluent speech. Visit ASHA’s website to learn more about speech therapy. IDEA  – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – A federal law that ensures services to children with disabilities (please see idea.ed.gov ). IEP  – Individualized Education Plan- As mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), an IEP is designed to meet the needs of a child who has a disability or special learning need. Children between the ages of three and 21 with speech/language disruption who are in the public schools can receive evaluation and intervention services free of charge. If a child qualifies for speech-language services through the school district, the IEP team identifies the needs of the student, what services will meet those needs, and the individual speech and/or language goals. Parents work with teachers and SLPs to develop the student’s IEP, including goals and procedures for achieving them. Intersectionality – Refers to how a person’s experience of stuttering is influenced by factors such as race, gender, class, and disability. Acknowledging intersectionality helps us understand the diverse experiences of people who stutter and promotes inclusivity and equity. Person Who Stutters (PWS) vs. Stutterer – The terms “person who stutters” (PWS) and “stutterer” both refer to individuals who experience stuttering, but they carry different connotations. “Person who stutters” is a person-first language, which emphasizes the individual before their condition. It is a way of acknowledging that stuttering is just one aspect of the person’s identity and that it does not define them completely. On the other hand, “stutterer” is an identity-first language, which places the condition before the person. While some people who stutter may choose to identify as a stutterer, it is important to note that not all people who stutter prefer this term. It is important to respect individuals’ preferences when it comes to the language used to describe their experiences with stuttering. Some may prefer person-first language while others may prefer identity-first language. It is recommended to ask the individual how they prefer to be referred to. Prolongation  – the involuntary lengthening of airflow or speech. Recovery  – generally, refers to returning to a normal health condition or normal state. Research suggests that around 80% of children who start to stutter naturally recover from stuttering. Repetition  – the involuntary repeating of a sound, word or part of a word. Self-help Support  – people with, or affected by, a common need or condition working to help others with the same condition, often in an informal manner with the goal of bringing about personal or social change Standardized  – Any measure that is given in the same way to all people who take it. For example, standardized tests are administered using a protocol that must be strictly followed. If the protocol is not followed, the results of the test may be invalid. Sometimes referred to as “formal” measures. Stuttering Modification  – The goal of stuttering modification therapy is not to eliminate stuttering, but rather to modify the moments of stuttering so the disfluencies are less severe. Other objectives of stuttering modification therapy include reducing the fear of stuttering and eliminating avoidance behaviors. Stuttering modification therapy often includes identifying core and secondary stuttering behaviors, learning desensitization techniques, and specific stuttering modification techniques such as stopping in the middle of a stutter (cancellations), pulling out of a stutter and transitioning into smooth, fluent speech (pull-outs) and using easy stuttering on words which the speaker may anticipate stuttering (prepatory sets). Visit ASHA’s website to learn more about speech therapy. Stuttering  – A frequently misused and misunderstood word that means many different things to different people. Primarily, it can refer to observable behaviors (e.g., “stuttered speech”) or it can refer to the stuttering, which comprises both the observable behaviors as well as a variety of “under the surface” features including fear, avoidance, attitudes, beliefs, etc., that are experienced by the person who stutters but are not seen by the listener. Many people confuse the two uses of the term. Secondary Characteristics (secondaries)  – In addition to speech dysfluency (word, sound or syllable repetitions, prolongations and blocks), many people who stutter exhibit secondary symptoms unrelated to speech production. Some secondary characteristics or “secondaries” include eye blinking, facial tension, lip tremors, head jerks or other unusual body movements. Secondary characteristics also include avoiding feared words, interjecting starter words (such as “um” or “you know”) or switching words midsentence. Edited by Angela Medina, PhD, CCC-SLP and Courtney Margulis, MA, CCC-SLP (5/2023)

Olga Bednarski Editor’s note: The National Stuttering Association (NSA) does not endorse or promote specific therapy programs, treatments, or approaches that claim to eliminate or “overcome” stuttering. We share personal stories to highlight individual experiences that may not reflect those of all people who stutter. Fifteen years ago, when I began my journey to freedom, I was searching for answers. I wanted to understand why my speech and anxiety fluctuated so much. In some situations, and with certain people, I could speak freely—fluid, expressive, open. Yet with others, I would tense up completely. My jaw would tighten, my breath would vanish, and my mind would fog over. I would tiptoe through conversations as if walking on eggshells, terrified of breaking something invisible. My voice would collapse into silence. Afterward, I’d feel frustrated, ashamed, and confused. At the time, I didn’t call it “stuttering.” That word wasn’t even part of my vocabulary. I simply thought I was painfully shy. But even that didn’t feel right—because deep down I was temperamental, expressive, even fiery at times. How could I be shy and bold at once? I convinced myself that if I could just become confident, my speech would “straighten out.” So, I joined the Maguire Programme after hearing about it from people at the Liverpool Speakers Club—the first place I’d gone to “beat my shyness.” The course was held in a hotel in Dundee, Scotland. On the first evening, I walked into a room full of strangers and was told to introduce myself. Public speaking. Again. My whole body froze. My breath was shallow, my mind blank. I filled my lungs with air, but when I tried to say my name, I hit a complete, silent block. My face turned crimson. People could see the effort, but no one could see how fragmented I felt inside—as if the connection between my thoughts and my voice had been cut off. And yet, somehow, I survived. Later, when I spoke to people one-on-one, my speech was suddenly free. I laughed. I shared stories. My anxiety subsided. I felt human again. Over the next few days, we practiced costal breathing and went out for “contacts”—approaching strangers to speak and face our fears. I remember my first one vividly. We went into a bar, and I had to tell the barman my name and explain what we were doing. My coach, Sid Jeffries, stood beside me with quiet encouragement. I tried to say my name. The first letter stuck. My head bobbed, my thoughts scattered, and embarrassment flooded me like a slow wave. But I finished. I spoke. The ordeal was over.  Then the next contact. And the next. By the 10th, 20th, 40th encounter, something incredible began to happen: The fear dissolved. My presence deepened. My speech flowed. I was no longer fighting for words—I was with them. Every conversation became an act of presence. I looked people softly in the eyes. I smiled. My body was relaxed and calm. My breathing was full. I wasn’t trying to speak fluently; I was connected. That day, I felt something I couldn’t name at the time—a return to myself. It wasn’t the technique that set me free. It was the connection. It was the countless small moments of contact—no matter how fleeting they might have been—that made me feel safe enough to drop my guard. The breathing, the technique, the exposure, the repetition… they were all just doorways to something much deeper: a sense of belonging. When I felt safe, I relaxed. When I relaxed, I connected. When I connected, I spoke. It was that simple—and that profound. Over the years, I’ve come to see this clearly: the essence of speech anxiety (and perhaps of most mental struggles) is disconnection. Disconnection from our feelings, from ourselves, from our bodies, from other people, from life itself. We learn to suppress, deny, and resist our feelings to protect ourselves. But in doing so, we isolate ourselves—from the very connection that could make us whole. As A.H. Almaas wrote: “Liberation is really nothing but the personality becoming free in the moment. The personality loses its grip, lets itself just relax.” When we reconnect with ourselves, with others, with the present moment, our nervous system calms. We feel safe. The tension unravels. The personality relaxes its grip. And in that state, speech begins to flow again—naturally, effortlessly—because we are no longer speaking from fear, but from connection. It is not the techniques that heal us, but the people who hold space for us. The ones we laugh with, cry with, stumble with. Warmth, presence, and shared experience— these  are the real medicine. We live in a world that celebrates independence, but healing happens in relationships. The more we reach out, the safer we feel. The more we allow ourselves to be seen, the more we return to our natural state of flow. When we restore connection, we restore wholeness. And that, I believe, is the true essence of healing—not just from speech anxiety, but from the deep loneliness of disconnection itself. Because in the end, it’s not about speaking perfectly. It ’s about speaking connectedly. It ’s about being here—present and open. And that is where freedom begins.

Supporting early-career researchers can shape the future of an entire field. For speech-language pathologist (SLP) and researcher Dr. Robyn Croft Albaum, PhD, CCC-SLP, receiving support through the National Stuttering Association Research Fund Award (NSARFA) helped launch research that continues to influence how clinicians and researchers think about well-being and stuttering. “This support allowed me to recruit a sufficient number of adults who stutter for my pilot study, which explored the effectiveness of an online self-compassion intervention for improving quality of life,” said Dr. Croft Albaum.  A Doctoral Research Project Focused on Self-Compassion When Dr. Croft Albaum received the NSARFA in 2020, she was in the early stages of her doctoral training. Her research focused on an emerging concept in stuttering research: the role of self-compassion and psychological well-being for adults who stutter. At the time, the idea of delivering these types of interventions online was still relatively new, making the project both innovative and timely. “I was a second-year doctoral student at The University of Texas at Austin studying under the mentorship of Dr. Courtney Byrd,” she said.  Turning Early Research Into Published Work What began as a pilot project quickly developed into meaningful contributions to the field. Through her research, Dr. Croft Albaum examined how psychosocial approaches—such as self-compassion interventions—might help improve quality of life for adults who stutter alongside traditional clinical approaches. “This work has been published in the International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and presented at national and international conferences, including the ASHA convention and the WSCO Conference,” Dr. Croft Albaum said.  Key Milestones After the National Stuttering Association Research Fund Award Since completing her fellowship-supported research, Dr. Croft Albaum has continued building an impressive academic and professional record. Her work has expanded into broader investigations of the psychological experiences of people who stutter and how those experiences influence communication and well-being. From Researcher to Global Leader in Stuttering Education Today, Dr. Croft Albaum plays a key role in advancing both research and clinical training in the field of stuttering. Her work focuses on translating evidence-based research into real-world clinical practices that directly benefit people who stutter. “I work at the Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research at The University of Texas at Austin,” she said. “As a speech-language pathologist and the Assistant Director of Global Research, I help translate research into practice by implementing evidence-based practices in the clinical setting with persons who stutter, training undergraduate and graduate students, and collaborating with individuals worldwide to advance research and clinical training opportunities.” Improving Quality of Life for People Who Stutter Ultimately, Dr. Croft Albaum’s work reflects a broader mission within the stuttering community: improving the lives of people who stutter not only through clinical intervention but also through research, education, and global collaboration. “My current work aims to improve the quality of life for persons who stutter through clinical practice, training of undergraduate and graduate students, and research,” Dr. Croft Albaum said.  To learn more about NSA-approved research studies, visit WeStutter.org/post/approved-stuttering-research .

Eldon Solomon, Mandy Rodstorm, Doug Harris Every person who stutters knows that no two speaking days are the same. Some days, speech flows easily. Other days, words feel heavier, tension builds quickly, and even a short sentence can feel like a ton of work. What’s often missing from conversations about stuttering is this truth: not every difficult speaking moment comes from the same place. What looks like a “bad speech day” may stem from one of three experiences: Natural variability in stuttering Social anxiety shaped by fear of judgment Trauma responses, where the body recalls past unsafe speaking experiences Understanding the difference helps you recognize your experience and respond with care rather than self-blame. Stuttering: A Neurological Foundation Stuttering is a neurodevelopmental communication difference, not the result of fear or nervousness. It reflects how the brain plans and coordinates speech. Neuroimaging shows variations in speech-motor regions that naturally affect fluency. Because stuttering involves complex brain processes, fluency fluctuates. Fatigue, stress, excitement, or emotion can influence speech on any given day—shifts like that are normal and expected. What Defines a Tough Speech Day? A tough speech day occurs when speaking feels more effortful than usual, without an underlying sense of fear or danger. It might include: More frequent or intense blocks or repetitions Increased physical effort or tension Feeling tired or frustrated after speaking Emotional steadiness despite heavy speech Anxious about certain speaking situations, more so than usual It’s important to remember that these days are temporary—they are not regression. When It Might Be Social Anxiety Social anxiety arises when fear of judgment colors how you feel about speaking. The mind focuses less on mechanics and more on others’ reactions. Common signs include: Worrying before a conversation or event Avoiding introductions, calls, or meetings Physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating Replaying interactions with self-criticism Lingering fear after the moment has passed For people who stutter, these situations can feel disabling or traumatic, raising the question: “Is this social anxiety, or a survival response to trauma?” Eldon’s story Trauma-induced behaviors arise when individuals perceive a lack of escape from acute or distressing situations, compelling them to internally manage responses to avoid painful experiences. I overheard a mother telling her child, “High emotions slow down our thinking, so be careful about the decisions you are making and the perceptions you are forming.”  This is an excellent lesson for a parent to teach. This advice applies to all emotionally charged situations. Many people who stutter (PWS) often struggle with social situations due to high emotions, so it’s easy to feel broken or disabled in our abilities, losing sight of the bigger picture amidst our own reality. Below are three versions of a similar story, each focusing more on the emotional and behavioral responses to trauma rather than an emphasis on social anxiety.  The poem “I Woke Up,” authored by Eldon Solomon, tells the story of a PWS experiencing the impact of trauma with his stuttering: I am 2 and very happy. My siblings take care of me and think I’m cute. I Woke Up I am 4. I’m napping when an uncle touches me. I am confused. He tells me to go back to sleep. I Woke Up I am angry. I’m a very obnoxious little boy. My siblings don’t think I’m cute anymore and they avoid me. I cannot speak. I stutter. I hurt. I don’t like being me. I Woke Up I don’t want to go to school. People are mean to me; they tease, they make fun, and they bully. They say I am a freak. I stutter! I want to hide. Please, don’t see me. I Woke Up I am in middle school. I still can’t speak. There is no one like me. I am a freak. It’s a living hell. I want to be free of being me. I Woke Up I am in high school. My friends are good to me, but I’m not yet free of being me. Why can’t I speak? I Woke Up I am a father. My son stutters. No. Dear God, NO! Please help me. My son must not be like me. I Woke Up I am 30. Praise God! I found my fluency. I can speak! I am now like you, and free of being me! I Woke Up My son is a young man. He still can’t speak! He is not yet free of being me. I Woke Up I am an old man. My son still stutters, but he likes that part of me. I stutter! No Wait! Wait! I have fluency! Am I me or am I you? I Woke Up I looked in the mirror. I see all of me! Not just my stuttering me or my fluency me, or the little boy who was abused and bullied me.  I see strength and tenacity. I see a person who never gives up.  I see a father who loves his sons and who wants to protect and to prevent what I know will be pain.  I feel intelligence. I see courage and bravery.  I see there has been a higher power that has always walked this journey with me. I see friends, and I see family, who have also walked with me!  I can see! I’m not alone. I’ve Woken Up This time, I choose to stay awake. This time, I choose to be all of “me.” This poem tells a story, a story of recurring trauma that couldn’t be escaped. It’s not hard to feel the pain of this author and see the impact of trauma in his journey to embrace his stutter. There are also victories that came from his experiences. There are more stories like this that relate more to the experiences of trauma rather than to social anxiety. The National Stuttering Association (NSA) thanks Eldon for his courage and vulnerability in sharing his story with us. Mandy’s story Mandy, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and a PWS, shares her journey of managing internal struggles against external expectations. Early in her life, she felt safe at home with her parents, but her speech was fragmented. One of her parents said, ”Stop! Say it again without stuttering. I cured myself.”   “We can’t talk that way,” a voice inside whispered, “we have to do what they say.”  On her first day of school, introducing herself felt daunting. When she attempted to say “Mandy,” it came out as “Andy,” eliciting giggles from her classmates. Her cheeks burned, but she mustered the courage to try again, declaring, “My name is Amanda.”  “YES!” The Whisper reassured her. “We are Amanda now.”  Are these reactions signs of social anxiety or survival instincts?  During Language Arts, the teacher announced a read-aloud exercise, prompting her to calculate which words she could safely say. “Can I go to the bathroom?” felt like a refuge, though it isolated her further. When an SLP called her name, she hesitated but eventually complied, thinking, “I hate being singled out.”  As the therapist encouraged her with slow, elongated speech patterns, exclaiming, “Good job! You were so fluent!”  She couldn’t help but resist, questioning, “Why am I talking like this?” The Whisper returned, demanding compliance: “We have to do what they tell us.”  Years later, in college, she came across a video of a girl speaking just like her. Tears filled her eyes as a voice inside her declared, "That is me!" Inspired, she pursued a career as an SLP. Yet, in graduate school, professors advised her to enhance her fluency strategies, eliciting yet another wave of resistance. “Why can't they hear ME?”  “We have to do what they tell us,” whe Whisper reminded her.  As a school-based SLP, she found joy in working with students who stutter. When she celebrated their achievements with the familiar words: “Good job! You were so fluent!”  She also shared a secret with them—that those strategies “don’t always work, do they?” After 41 years, the internal conflict became unbearable.  “You’re a fraud,” her inner critic sneered. But this time, the Whisper turned supportive:  “You are enough.”  In a pivotal moment, she confronted her stutter.  “I’m Mandy,” the Whisper boldly announced. “I get to choose… I choose to stutter.”  The stories shared here are as diverse as the individuals telling them, yet they resonate with common themes of trauma responses with social anxiety.  Doug’s story Doug, a man nearing 70, revisited his stuttering journey after years of ignoring the metaphorical 800-pound gorilla—his stutter. Ignoring the gorilla was never completely   possible; its constant presence demanded acknowledgment on its own schedule. Avoidance came at a cost that could not always   be ignored. As a child, he felt like an outsider,   not sure why he couldn’t talk like everyone else. Peers’ laughter landed like daggers, and the discomfort of the waitstaff as he struggled to order a grilled cheese left him longing for silence.  “Never mind,” he would say, opting for soup instead. In eighth grade, fear gripped him at the prospect of presenting his poem. The silence stretched painfully, and when it was his turn to share a short story, his teacher offered him an out: “You don’t have to go.”  His relief was tainted by shame—what hurt more: stuttering in front of classmates or receiving special treatment that highlighted his differences? He chose a college path without foreign language requirements to sidestep anxiety. In graduate school, his peers’ reluctance to make the group’s presentation baffled him. “Why are you afraid? I’m the one who stutters!”  Stuttering became part of his identity; he passively   accepted it, refusing to let it fully define   him. This cycle of stuttering and avoidance dominated his life until he made one last attempt at therapy. Three weeks of intense fluency shaping worked, but like before, not for very long. The hard-earned goal of fluency quickly disappeared.  Decades later, when asked, “How has being a person who stutters improved your life?” he reflected on the intersection of struggle and growth, realizing he was not broken; he was not alone. Deciding to attend the NSA Annual Conference in Denver in 2025 felt monumental. Could facing the gorilla finally set him free? He envisioned embracing it, sharing stories, and wearing a T-shirt that boldly stated, “I stutter.” Connecting with others allowed him to appreciate the power of listening. One woman he met stuttered more severely than anyone he’d encountered, yet her insights and humor were vibrant.  For the first time, he pondered if social anxiety could be a survival response, leading him to an honest reflection: “YES.” Each narrative is shaped by individual experiences. The stories shared here reflect a willingness to confront fears and reject suffocating social anxiety responses. Yes, we stutter—but that’s just one piece of the complex puzzle of who we are. The trauma we’ve faced profoundly contributes to our identities and not just as negatives. On this path, we often find more victories than defeats, ultimately arriving at the realization: “I’m pretty terrific.”  Conclusion The heaviest burdens often take the longest to lift. Yet, in this journey of self-discovery and acceptance, we uncover our truest selves. The experiences here tell a different story from that of social anxiety. Look a little deeper than what you feel and more at what you have and will overcome. By facing our fears and embracing our stories, we step into a power that liberates us and inspires those around us. If you stutter, you are not alone! Find your people today at WeStutter.org/join-a-chapter . About the contributors Eldon Solomon is a CEO and a lifelong person who stutters, but he will tell you first that he is a husband of 38 years and a proud grandfather. For more than three decades, Eldon has served as a mental health counselor, dedicating over 33 years to helping individuals move beyond simply surviving and into truly thriving. His work has included leading veteran outreach initiatives, directing mental health clinics, and guiding people through some of their most vulnerable moments with compassion and clarity. After attending his first NSA Conference in 2023, Eldon felt something shift. He experienced firsthand the power of community and connection, and he knew he wanted to give back. Drawing on both his professional expertise and lived experience as a person who stutters, Eldon is passionate about supporting others as they navigate what he calls the “survival hijack” — those moments when fear takes the wheel and our authentic selves feel distant. He believes that every person who stutters has a powerful voice. Sometimes it just needs space, safety, and support to be fully heard. Based in Indiana, Eldon embodies a simple but powerful truth: it is never too late to build new bridges, deepen connection, and create meaningful change. Mandy Rodstrom is a person who stutters and a former school-based speech-language therapist with 20 years of experience supporting children and families. She is a passionate advocate for client- and family-centered, neurodiversity-affirming, and trauma-informed care, with a specialization in developmental stuttering. After more than 30 years as a covert stutterer, Mandy made the courageous decision to embrace her stutter openly. That shift not only transformed her personal journey, but also deepened her professional mission. Today, she runs her own private practice and teaches graduate-level courses on stuttering at several universities, equipping the next generation of clinicians with evidence-based knowledge and affirming approaches. Beyond her clinical and academic work, Mandy is deeply engaged in community advocacy. She serves as a Family Chapter Co-Leader in Washington DC with the National Stuttering Association and volunteers with Friends Who Stutter, SPACE Community and Arts, and The Stuttering Association for the Young. Through these spaces, she helps create connection, visibility, and belonging for people who stutter and their families. Outside of her professional life, Mandy finds joy in music, traveling, cooking, and spending time with her husband and three children. Her journey reflects a powerful truth: when we embrace our voices fully, we not only change our own lives, we help change the field itself. Doug Harris is a lifelong person who stutters, a husband, a father, and a retired architect living in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. For many years, Doug simply lived with his stutter, navigating both its challenges and its quiet strengths without actively engaging in the broader stuttering community. In 2024, that began to change. He intentionally reengaged in his journey, joining the Greenville, South Carolina chapter of the National Stuttering Association and stepping into deeper connection with others who share his experience. In 2025, Doug attended his first NSA Annual Conference in Denver. The promise of a “life-changing experience” often shared by longtime attendees did not disappoint. The sense of belonging, understanding, and shared growth met every expectation and then some. Shortly before the conference, Doug relocated from Western North Carolina to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he began attending the Philadelphia NSA Chapter and continuing his adventure within the stuttering community. Now, Doug is helping organize an intergenerational discussion panel for the upcoming Charlotte conference, creating space for meaningful conversations across ages and experiences. His journey reflects something many people discover: it is never too late to lean in, reconnect, and find new depth in your voice and your community.

Written by Taylor Worsham, BA, NSA Community Manager As someone who lives less than five miles from Canada, going over for a day trip, shopping, or dinner is not a big deal and happens relatively frequently for me. However, being the person in the driver’s seat who deals with customs and their questions has never appealed to me because, well… I stutter and don’t handle authority very well.  However, the stuttering ID card from the National Stuttering Association (NSA)  recently helped me cross into/from Canada for the very first time by myself. I will be talking about my experience with using the ID card and how it has helped me.  Actually Deciding to Use the Stuttering ID Card I’ve been pulled over while driving before and accused of lying by a police officer. I have to believe that was partially due to my speech. As someone with a more prominent stutter, I generally find it extremely difficult to verbally disclose that I’m a person who stutters. The ID card allows me to disclose my stutter on my terms. And not only that, but the ID card features positive language around stuttering and explicitly tells people what to do (and what not to do).  To me, it was a no-brainer. I didn’t want any more negative reactions from or with authority. I printed it off, cut it out, and did a corny DIY lamination at home using tape for durability. Because I plan to use it primarily for interactions with law enforcement, I keep it in my car's glove box but plan to print another copy to keep in my wallet. Using the Stuttering ID Card to Cross for International Travel I’m approaching my 30s. I have never been to Canada by myself, despite having been there probably over 100 times. But I wanted to visit someone who lives in Canada and I didn’t want to inconvenience him (even though he offered to drive me) or the people around me by being my chauffeur. I knew this was something that I would probably have to do someday and that I should just get it out of the way now. I was terrified, not  at the thought of traveling internationally, but because I was afraid of how customs would react. I’ve been made fun of for my speech more times than I can count, even as an adult. I’ve even had nightmares about crossing the International Bridge. And if it’s any indication of how nervous I was, according to my Apple Watch, my heart rate was 128 while I was completely still.  But I kept remembering what Matice Morris said during her speech at the NSA’s 2023 Annual Conference: “Feel the fear and do it anyway. Do the thing that scares you the most, and you’ll see that fear is only a mental mountain, where, on the other side, is confidence.”  So I swallowed my fear and did it. I told myself over and over, aloud, “I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.”  Crossing the International Bridge & Dealing With Customs I drove up to the toll booth to pay the $4.50 toll. The woman asked me how I was doing that day.  “Grrrreat!” I said, clearly stuttering.  She gave me an odd look and started chuckling as she was running my card.  “Did you have your Frosted Flakes this morning or what?”  “You know what, yes, I did!”  Both of us started laughing. Hey, I’ll take this over someone blatantly mocking me… and I can appreciate a good joke. And as Mike Molino said, if you take everything too seriously, why bother? I pressed on and drove across the nearly 3-mile International Bridge into Canada. Nobody was waiting in line at the port of entry. I got right in. I took a deep breath and started recording on my phone just in case. I pulled up to the window to talk to customs. It was a friendly-looking older gentleman. I decided to be very mindful of how I presented the ID card. I handed it over first, waited a moment, then gave him my passport.  “Where are you from?” he asked me first.  I answered with my city and state. My stutter was certainly making itself known. It probably took me 30 seconds or more to say only four words. I was very  nervous.  “Where are you going?” he asked me.  I answered.  “Have a good day,” he said and handed me my ID card and passport back.  “Thank you.”  Returning to the US that evening was also equally as easy. I pulled up and handed the nice-looking woman the ID card first, then my passport.  “What were you doing over in Canada?” she asked first.  “Visiting a friend.”  “Where does your friend live?”  I answered succinctly with the city in which my friend lives. “Just for the day?”  “Yes.”  “Are you bringing anything back?”  “No.”  (When you pull up to the booth to talk to customs, a picture of your car shows up on the officer’s screen. My license plate clearly relates to stuttering and she said, “Fair enough,” which we both found a little funny.) “Welcome home.”  “Thank you.”  Paying the toll back into the US was easy and nothing really happened there. These experiences were both super easy and I honestly have the ID card and the fact that customs was so kind to thank for that.  Conclusion A few years ago, I never  would’ve thought I would be able to do anything like this. And that’s not an understatement. I felt so much shame and so much stigma around my stutter that I pretended like it didn’t exist. I let it hold me back. I let it define who I was and what I did. However, since finding the NSA and finding acceptance, I am constantly doing things that I never thought possible.  The stuttering ID card made a potentially stressful situation into one of ease and mutual understanding. Not only is this card important for me to easily disclose to people as a person who stutters, but it’s also important for the listener so they are not caught off guard or make false assumptions about me or the situation. When you’re dealing with law enforcement, the stakes are so much higher and misunderstandings can escalate quickly.  This ID card is an extremely mutually beneficial tool that, in my opinion, every person who stutters should have. You can get yours here .

When Ryan Millager, PhD, CCC-SLP, received the National Stuttering Association’s (NSA) Graduate Student Research Award (GSRA) in 2022, he was just over two years into his PhD program at Vanderbilt University. His research focused on young children who stutter and their interactions with their parents, and he originally had modest expectations for the project. “I originally planned for the GSRA to cover a small pilot study,” Dr. Millager said. “But that pilot study was a huge success and turned into my dissertation project.” That turning point shaped everything that followed. The GSRA funding supported both his data collection and travel to present his findings at conferences. Those opportunities opened doors beyond the research itself. In 2024, Dr. Millager used award funds to travel to Seattle for a conference experience that would shift his career trajectory. “The conversations I had with other researchers there inspired me to start my job search early,” Dr. Millager said, “which led directly to me getting a dream job this year!” Since completing the project, Dr. Millager has defended his dissertation and accepted a position as an Assistant Professor at Rush University. He has presented his GSRA-related research at conferences in Austin, Seattle, Nashville, and Oxford, UK, with additional presentations planned in Washington, DC, and Chicago. Journal publications are also in progress. At Rush, Dr. Millager will continue building on the research the GSRA helped launch. His role will include expanding studies that increase support for children who stutter and their parents, teaching master’s students training to become speech-language pathologists, and developing clinical services to support people who stutter in the Chicago area. His work remains grounded in community impact. His research aims to strengthen support systems for children who stutter and their families, and his clinical teaching emphasizes the importance of listening to and centering the lived experiences of people who stutter. Dr. Millager’s journey shows how one investment in graduate research can grow into something far larger than a single study. It can shape a dissertation, launch a career, build services, strengthen the field, and, most importantly, expand meaningful support for people who stutter and their families. “Thank you to the NSA for directly funding my research,” Dr. Millager said. “I am particularly proud to have my dissertation funded by the NSA, an organization that first taught me about stuttering allyship.” Learn more about the GSRA

When you stutter, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one. The general public may not understand stuttering, and that misunderstanding can leave people who stutter feeling isolated or invisible. But one thing truly changes everything: community. At the National Stuttering Association (NSA) , we know how powerful and impactful a community can be. The NSA community begins at the local level, in our chapters across the country, where people who stutter come together to be seen, heard, and understood. Why NSA Chapters Matter NSA Chapters are more than just “support groups.” These meetings are safe spaces where people who stutter of all ages and their families can be themselves without the pressure to be fluent. There is zero pressure to speak a certain way or an expectation to explain yourself. At NSA Chapter meetings, we engage in conversations, foster shared understanding, and create strength in numbers: “I started my NSA Chapter in Exton, Pennsylvania, because there were no stuttering resources available in the Philadelphia suburbs. The nearest chapter was in Philadelphia and was for adults only. I created my Adults & Family chapter to show children that they can succeed as adults who stutter and to provide a safe space for PWS of all ages.” — Lexi Hewitt, NSA Exton NSA Chapters provide emotional relief by reminding people who stutter that they are not broken, not defined by their fluency, and they’re not alone. For the first time in their life, they belong to something bigger—a community that finally understands  them. The Power of Shared Experience Every time a person who stutters hears someone speak openly about their stuttering journey, it helps alleviate the heavy burden of shame and isolation. It can help create an environment for self-acceptance.  NSA Chapter meetings are places where individuals practice saying their names without apologizing for stuttering, where people try public speaking in an encouraging environment, and where parents and caregivers learn that they don’t need to “fix” their child: “I had a mother and father reach out to me with concerns for their child. They were worried because he was not socializing, was choosing to attend classes virtually, and was thinking of dropping out of school due to all the presentations he was supposed to give. This mother and father ended up attending my monthly meeting, and we had a lengthy discussion. They told me their son was reluctant to come to a meeting, so they would share my information with him and ‘we’ll see.’ He ended up reaching out, and we set up a day/time to meet for coffee. We chatted for about an hour on stuttering, college in general, presentations, life transitions, and the NSA Conference. He never came to an ‘official’ meeting, but he and his parents attended their first NSA Conference that year (in St. Louis). After the Conference, his mother told me on the drive home that they actually talked about stuttering, which is something they rarely did. She reported that she viewed stuttering in a different light now after hearing from others who stutter and their families.”  — Amanda Elias, Monroe, LA/RCC for Mid-Atlantic Region More Than Just Monthly Meetings Some people might think NSA Chapters are just for practicing various speaking situations, but they’re so much more than that. They are where lifelong friendships begin, hard conversations occur, and people feel heard and supported—sometimes for the first time  in someone’s life: “In 2012, I had searched the NSA website and found that there was an NSA Chapter in Morgantown, West Virginia. As a 400-mile round trip, it was far, but it was the closest NSA Chapter to me. I took half a day off work and made the drive… I seriously considered not attending the meeting; I could just drive back home, and no one would be the wiser. I finally talked myself into going in, and I’m glad I did. The meeting was great, it was the first time in my life that I was in a room with other people who stutter, and I must say it was life-changing. For the first time, I didn’t feel alone; I felt heard, not judged. For the first time, I knew that I wasn’t the only one trying to navigate stuttering on a day-to-day basis. I made the trip to Morgantown as much as I could for a year or so. I felt so validated, heard, and understood. I wanted to provide the same feeling to other people who stutter in my corner of West Virginia! I vowed to try to start an NSA Chapter in the Charleston/Huntington, West Virginia area someday. With the help of my Chapter Co-Leader, Dr. Jamie Maxwell, it finally happened.”  — Bryan Matthews, Charleston/Huntington, West Virginia And thanks to virtual NSA Chapters and NSA Connects, geography is no longer a barrier. Anyone, anywhere, can find a space to connect with others who understand the stuttering experience. A Place for Every Voice We offer a range of NSA Chapters for adults, teens, and families, each bringing its own unique energy. What unites them all is the belief that people who stutter deserve spaces that validate and affirm them and help them thrive . Some NSA Chapters focus on play and connection for kids. Others create a safe space for adults to unpack years of hiding and difficult experiences. Educators and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can learn more about stuttering and how to best serve their students and clients who stutter. Family Chapters invite parents and siblings into the conversation, helping the whole household grow together. “When I looked around my community, I realized there wasn’t an NSA Chapter for children who stutter, and I knew that if I wanted my daughter and other kids to have a supportive space, I would have to build it myself… Starting our NSA Chapter pushed me far beyond my comfort zone, but it also transformed me into a stronger and more compassionate advocate. The experience has allowed me to connect with families, raise awareness through public speaking, and create meaningful conversations within our community. Most importantly, it’s inspired me to keep learning about the diverse experiences of people who stutter, so that I can represent and serve this community in a positive, affirming, and empowering way.”  — Molly Portzel, Co-Chapter Leader of St. Louis Family Chapter NSA Chapter Leaders: Leading with Courage & Compassion Chapter Leaders are the heart of the NSA. They lead these groups with vulnerability and strength. Many are people who stutter themselves, using their experience to uplift others. Others are family members, SLPs, or allies committed to making a difference: “I became a Family Chapter Leader because I wanted to connect with parents of children who stutter and show them that their kids will be just fine. I hoped to be an example that people who stutter can lead successful, meaningful lives while also encouraging parents to fully support and embrace their children.”  — Mitchell Portzel, Co-Chapter Leader, St. Louis Family Chapter Leadership at the NSA isn’t about being fluent. Being a Chapter Leader is often a vulnerable experience when you lead and facilitate a conversation in a room full of strangers, but you demonstrate to your attendees that individuals who stutter can hold leadership roles!  Why This Matters When people who stutter find each other, shame fades, confidence grows, and a sense of belonging takes root. That’s what our NSA Chapters make possible for people who stutter across the nation. And it’s why they’re essential—not optional—for building a world where people who stutter are supported and empowered: “It is tremendously valuable and freeing to be in a space with people who understand what it is like to live life with a stutter. We all have different backgrounds and experiences, and we even express our stutters differently, but there is a common thread that links us all together. The sense of community is priceless.”  — Lisa Greenleaf, Co-Chapter Leader, Boston Adult & Boston Family Chapters Want to get involved? Find an NSA Chapter Interested in starting one? Learn more about becoming a Chapter Leader Support our work . Help us continue to build spaces where people who stutter feel seen and supported. No one should have to navigate stuttering alone. And with your help, they won’t.