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At first glance, Samantha “Sam” Roblyer is just your average adolescent young woman living in America’s heartland. In a state that is college football-crazed, she’s a high school sophomore who lives with two siblings and her parents. She does typical things such as work part-time and participates in class. Despite the fact that she has stuttered ever since age four, Sam is active on a speech team. “It’s not debates though,” she said. “It is more interpretative. We do short scripts and perform-it like theatre, on a much smaller scale.” She’s also passionate about writing, with a strong emphasis on spoken word and slam poetry. Like many who stutter, Sam is very open and forthright about her stutter. “I used to describe it as something that I didn’t like or something that held me back, but I do not have that negative opinion anymore. My outlook is more positive because it has brought me more opportunities than it has taken away.” When The King’s Speech  was released, it received major acclaim and was admired by the stuttering community. However, Sam was not exactly enthralled about watching it. “I had known it was out there, but I didn’t make an effort to see it,” she stated. “It was at a time when I didn’t feel so well about myself, and I wasn’t too thrilled to see a movie about something I wasn’t proud of.” Eventually, as soon as the movie came to Netflix, she made a decision to view it. Afterward, her reaction was rather ambivalent. “I was certainly glad that we were getting some sort of representation on a wider scale, but I didn’t really love that it forced the idea that you have to seek treatment for it to be seen as a successful. The resolution of the entire movie was when King George delivered the speech fluently and I didn’t like how it was seen as the ultimate goal.” Yet Sam was quick to emphasize that the film did showcase stuttering in a realistic manner.” I definitely felt like they portrayed a lot of emotions that people who stutter feel on a daily basis, and I think a lot of us go through that. We want to get rid of it and that’s what matters. It shows how frustrated King George gets when his speech therapy isn’t working and the goal is to be fluent.” However, it wasn’t the movie that caught her attention as much as the onscreen synopsis did. According to Sam, Netflix described the stuttering as “embarrassing”. Sam was clearly upset and had something to say about it. “It made me feel really frustrated because the writers who composed the synopsis on Netflix have never been through what people who stutter feel like, and they have never experienced anything like it as well, so to refer to that as embarrassing made me feel angry,” she explained. “People who stutter fight for acceptance with themselves and with the people around them, so when people refer to stuttering as embarrassing, it makes it harder for everyone.” Sam wasn’t sure at first about contacting Netflix, but one of her friends convinced her to do so. “I was told we needed to seek out change, so he gave me the idea,” she commented. Still, she knew that getting a reply may have been a longshot. “I didn’t think they would view it as important like we did, but I knew this was important to me and many others who stuttered. It is a big company of course, and I didn’t expect them to give a response to one person.” Little did Sam know that not only did Netflix acknowledge her letter, but they stepped up to the plate and made the situation right. “I was really shocked!” she said, very excited. Netflix agreed to make editorial changes to the onscreen synopsis. “I was shaking when I read their response, and I told my friends as soon as I received their email. I went online to check to see if they had changed it, and they did.” While this may be a special victory for the stuttering community, Sam acknowledged “It is a small step in the right direction to getting the world to accept us, people who stutter, and to understand a little bit of what we go through.” Sam is also adamant that others should never be afraid to stand up. “I think a lot of us are scared to speak up for what we need or when something is wrong, but we need to speak up and call out those wrongs because otherwise they will never be fixed.”

I feel that there is a lot of silence when it comes to having a disability while marketing yourself as a professional. The most that is acknowledged and talked about in a workplace when you have a disability is either requesting a reasonable accommodation or completing the Equal Employment Opportunity forms on an application. The general belief is not to make your disability known because of the fear that you will be judged on it. I challenge to change that perceptive. I have a disability. A noticeable one. I have the choice to hide it and cover it up, but I choose not to. In a weird way, showing my vulnerability can either make others either feel very comfortable with me or just the opposite, very uncomfortable. But the truth is, it’s my preference to show it. It is a part of me and after many years, I have chosen not to run from it, but rather embrace it. I don’t remember the day that it began, but there are home video tapes of me talking as a child freely and carelessly. And then all of a sudden there are home video tapes of me trying to navigate through my words carefully. When I was a child, my speech therapists basically taught me that I needed to avoid stuttering at all costs. They meant well, but the end result of showing me how to speak in a way that avoided stuttering only led me to believe that if I showed my stuttering that I would never be successful or a good communicator. They threw fluency shaping at me and taught me various relaxation and breathing techniques. They taught me to speak with air flowing through my vocal chords so that I sounded a bit like Marilyn Monroe, who also was a person who stuttered and learned to speak that way to hide her stuttering. But they never taught me that it’s okay to show my stuttering. As I graduated college and tried to navigate the world of interviews I was a complete wreck. I don’t think wreck is a strong of a word. Let me try “disaster”, or even better yet, “total-anxiety-ridden-and-almost-having-a-mental-meltdown-during-every-single-interview” type of description. Because what my speech therapists missed when I was growing up, was tackling the emotional side of stuttering. The fear and anxiety of showing my stuttering only led to more stuttering (oh, the irony). The truth is, I would never be able to get better control of my stutter until I actually showed the ugliness of it all. It was a scary concept but after years of putting myself into three fearful speaking situations every day and challenging my limits of what I thought I could do, it started to become easier to speak. And along the way I have learned so much about myself. Today I am a human resources professional with ten years of experience, with my newly earned Senior in Professional Human Resources (SPHR) certification. I have always been an overachiever in terms of education and hard work, as a means to compensate for my speech. I believed that if I couldn’t speak like everyone else, at least I’ll standout by my hard work and dedication to advance my education and benefit my career and any company that I work for. With my disability, I now view it in a positive light. For example, I know that stuttering has given me the gifts of being extremely patient, empathetic, a better listener, and yes, even a great communicator. In fact, one of my favorite parts of working in human resources is working with people, getting to know them, helping them, and making them know that they are an important integral part of the organization that I work for. I have led countless of orientations and trainings. I participate in meetings and conference calls with brokers and third party vendors. And along the way I also became a supervisor, leading a human resources team. This career is far from the realms of what I thought I could do when I was young. Now, don’t get me wrong – there are still some days that are challenging and physically tiring for me. However, every challenge creates an opportunity to gain strength. I hope that people with disabilities do not shy away from embracing what makes them different. The world can benefit from your experience and your knowledge. You experience things that most people do not, so use those experiences to your advantage. Use them as a teaching moment. Turn your disability from a challenge to a strength. Be a trail maker for others who are following behind you. Pave the way for tolerance and acceptance in the workplace. And for the workforce of today, I challenge to you embrace others differences and to learn how to build stronger teams by hiring and embracing a diverse environment. Learn to judge on the ability, not the disability. And finally, help foster an environment where disabilities and differences are accepted and welcomed for future generations to come. Haley Mitchem is a Human Resources professional, living and working in the greater Washington, DC area. This article was originally posted on LinkedIn

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)

Wouldn’t it be great if there were a miracle cure for stuttering? Just take a pill, go though a course or plug in a device and you’ll speak fluently forever! Most of us know that’s not going to happen, but it’s only human to hope. That’s why alternative treatments for stuttering (other than speech therapy) are so popular on the Internet. Some can be helpful, but others are nothing more than digital snake oil .  So it’s important to view them with the same healthy skepticism you use when buying a used car. Alternative treatments for stuttering are nothing new. They have ranged from motivational courses and vitamins to Botox injections. In a 2002 survey conducted by the National Stuttering Association, adults who stutter reported trying an extraordinary variety of treatments that included electroshock, acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, tongue surgery, Native American sweat lodges and vision quests, and a faith healer. Not all alternative treatments are this unusual, of course, and some approaches have helped some people who stutter. However, NSA surveys in 2002 and 2009 show that while some respondents had a measure of success with some alternative treatments, none approached the success rate of speech therapy.   Here are some of the alternative treatments that showed up in our surveys. Please note that the NSA does not endorse any treatment that has not been proven to be safe and effective in controlled, published studies. Pharmaceutical treatments may some day may be effective in reducing the severity of stuttering, especially in combination with speech therapy. While no pharmaceutical medication has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of stuttering, research shows that some anti-psychotic medications approved for other reasons may be helpful and can be administered to older teens and adults by a psychiatrist or physician. Vitamins and herbal remedies were judged somewhat successful by 25% of respondents in the NSA’s 2009 and not at all successful by 75%. No controlled, published studies exist on such remedies for stuttering, and it’s best to consult a physician in case of side effects or interference with other medications. Assistive devices change the way you hear your own speech, which helps some people who stutter speak more fluently. In the 2009 NSA survey, about half of those who used assistive devices found them successful in managing their stuttering, particularly those who had speech therapy in connection with the use of their device. But 75% of survey respondents rarely used their assistive device or had stopped using it entirely. Psychiatry and psychological counseling can help you become a well-balanced, emotionally healthy person who stutters. While this therapy may not have any direct impact on stuttering, it can help address emotional issues such as anxiety and may uncover a mental health condition such as clinical depression. In the NSA study, such counseling was very successful for 14% of respondents, somewhat successful for 44% and not at all successful for 42%. Neurolinguistic programming , which also deals with perceptions and attitudes, was considered very successful by 11% of survey respondents, somewhat successful by 26% and not at all successful by 63%. Hypnosis aids relaxation and may help alleviate the tension associated with stuttering. However, fewer than 3% of NSA survey respondents found hypnosis to be very successful. It was somewhat successful for 20% and not at all successful for 77%. Motivational courses help build self-confidence, and 19% of survey respondents found this to be very successful in managing their stuttering. 49% found it somewhat successful and 32% found it not at all successful. Speech therapy is significantly more successful than any alternative treatment. The majority of adults and teens who participated in the 2009 NSA study said their speech therapy was somewhat successful or very successful — even though the majority had speech therapy several times and more than eight out of 10 experienced a relapse after improving their fluency in therapy. (link to article on finding a therapist) Stuttering support participation helps. The majority of survey respondents who attended local support groups or the NSA national conference said support participation was very helpful in improving their self-confidence, practice-speaking in a supportive environment, learning more about stuttering, and exploring attitudes toward stuttering. In addition, adults who participate in support groups are more likely to have successful speech therapy. Jim McClure is a person who stutters, a professional public opinion researcher and a member of the NSA Advisory Board.

The National Stuttering Association (NSA) believes every person who stutters (PWS) has the right to define their own experience, and we call on the broader stuttering community to honor and respect that individuality. Just as there is no one right way to stutter, there is no right way to seek support, establish an identity, or find empowerment. Some may embrace stuttering openly, while others may pursue speech therapy or various tools. Some people may want to be part of a community, while others prefer solitude. All of these paths are valid and deserve respect.   The NSA was created to be a fierce advocate for the stuttering community. Over the decades, we’ve championed National Stuttering Awareness Week, led funding in stuttering research, helped individuals and families in need attend our Annual Conference, launched over 150+ community chapters all over the U.S., and so much more. If you haven’t yet, we invite you to read our 2024 Impact Report . We know that our mission is far from over. Every day, our team works tirelessly to raise awareness and promote acceptance among the general public. We also publish and spread as much information about stuttering as possible through our social media, educational resources, and advocacy efforts. No matter what we’re doing or how we’re communicating, the NSA’s commitment remains the same: to support every PWS when  and how  they need it. Today, we’re calling on the stuttering community, within and beyond the NSA, to join us in elevating the message of respect, choice, and inclusion for all people who stutter. Every stuttering journey is unique and how someone chooses to navigate life as a PWS is theirs alone.  If a PWS chooses speech therapy or not, that is their choice.  If a PWS uses a device or doesn’t, that is their choice.  If a PWS opts to explore pharmaceutical treatment options for stuttering or doesn’t, that is their choice. If a PWS seeks support and community or prefers to walk their path independently, that is their choice.  At the NSA, we see every day that support is powerful, but so is choice. We’re not here to judge or prescribe. What matters is finding what brings confidence and comfort in a world that can already be challenging for PWS and the NSA is here to provide support every step of the way.    If you stutter, you are not alone. We are here to welcome you… whenever you are ready.  Please visit our website at WeStutter.org  for more information and resources about stuttering or how you can support the community's wide-ranging needs.

When your child was younger, you may have been right by their side for speech therapy appointments, IEP meetings, or those emotional moments after a class presentation. You were the advocate, the scheduler, the emotional lifeline. But what happens when your child turns 18 and the world expects them to do it all alone? For parents of older teens and young adults who stutter, the transition to adulthood can feel like uncharted territory. You’re still their parent. You still care deeply. But the support they need now might look different than it did before. And that can be a little scary for both of you. Do I Still Have a Role as a Parent of a Young Adult Who Stutters? Yes. Absolutely. Even as your child steps into adulthood, your presence still matters. You might not be scheduling their sessions anymore, but your belief in them, your unshaken, unconditional belief , can be a powerful anchor. “ We had to learn to respect him when he said he was ‘fine,’ or his speech was ‘OK.’ I would tell parents to give their child space, because all kids need to adjust to taking care of themselves more as they get older, whether they stutter or not.” – Mike Gioscia, Parent of a young adult who stutters That said, the way you show up might need to shift. Think of your role evolving from “protector” to “partner.” From “manager” to “mentor.” Your child may now be navigating new spaces (college, the workplace, relationships) where stuttering carries different kinds of weight. You don’t have to have all the answers. But listening without trying to fix and being a safe space for processing is  the answer more often than not. Parenting a Young Adult Who Stutters: What to Remember as They Grow 1. They may still be unpacking old experiences. Your child might still be carrying moments of teasing, shame, or feeling different. These things don’t magically disappear at 18. Be open to talking about their past, even if it’s painful. Your validation means more than you know. 2. Let Your Young Adult Who Stutters Take the Lead in Communication Some young adults are outspoken about their stutter. Others are still figuring it out. Follow their lead. Ask questions like: “How do you  want to handle this?”  “Do you want to talk through how to bring it up in interviews or not at all?”  “What kind of support feels helpful to you right now?” “Communication is the key. Does your child want to talk about their stutter? Would they like their home/family time to be a place where there’s no emphasis on their speech? Ask them. They are getting older—listen to them.” – Mike Gioscia, Parent of a young adult who stutters 3. Don’t push fluency, embrace autonomy. By now, your child probably knows whether fluency is a priority for them or not. Some may still want to explore strategies, while others are focusing on acceptance. Support their  goals, not your assumptions. “Now we don’t focus on that. We focus on SHH—safe, happy, and healthy.” – Linda Gioscia, Parent of a college student 4. Celebrate progress that isn’t about speech. There’s so much more to your child than how they speak. Celebrate their courage. Their resilience. Their creativity. Their sense of humor. Remind them (and yourself) that stuttering doesn’t define their worth. “Last year, his blocking got really extreme. We said to him, ‘We don’t care that you are stuttering, but we are worried if there is some stress causing it. Is everything okay? How can we help?’ This way, the stutter doesn’t become the focus—his mental health does.” – Linda Gioscia, Parent of a college student Next Steps in Parenting a Young Adult Who Stutters Encourage Connection Gently suggest they explore adult NSA chapters or attend virtual hangouts . These spaces can provide community and understanding—just be mindful not to push. “The NSA has made all of our lives better since we started going six years ago. We learned that you can’t always ‘cure’ stuttering... and now we focus on what really matters.” – Linda Gioscia, Parent of a young adult who stutters Stay Curious Continue learning about modern perspectives on stuttering , especially those shared directly by people who stutter. It shows your commitment to understanding their lived experience. “I can't emphasize this enough—I think all speech therapists and doctors should be required to prescribe going to an NSA event. It’s that life-changing.” – Linda Gioscia, Parent Be Their Soft Place to Land No matter how independent they become, your encouragement matters. Everyone benefits from knowing there's someone in their corner who says, “You’re doing great, just as you are.” “Advice for college-bound kids' parents: Encourage them to find a club or group to connect with. Making friends can be hard these days, even for non-stutterers. Support them in taking those steps.” – Linda Gioscia, Parent Kat Poprocki and Her Mother When your child becomes a young adult, your role shifts from guiding every step to offering support from the sidelines, but it never disappears. You remain their advocate, cheerleader, and safe harbor through every challenge. Parenting doesn’t end at 18. It evolves. Your young adult might not need you to advocate for them in the same way, but they still need you. They need your understanding, your encouragement, and most of all, your belief that stuttering doesn’t limit their future. “Let go of any guilt! All you can do is go from here. The resources and connections at the NSA will help with all of that.” – Linda Gioscia, Parent Disclaimer: This article was originally generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) and has been thoughtfully revised and refined by individuals who stutter (PWS) and their families.

Nick Korkos is a professional dancer based in New York City with over 15 years of experience performing on stages nationwide. He’s also a proud member of the stuttering community. In a recent Zoom conversation with the NSA, Nick opened up about how stuttering has impacted his life—and how dance, teaching, and self-expression have helped him embrace his authentic self. “How Hasn't It Affected My Life?” Nick began by sharing that stuttering has always been a part of his story. “There’s literally nothing in my life that has not been impacted because of my speech,” he said. Stuttering runs in his family—his father also stutters—and for Nick, it’s been a lifelong journey of learning, acceptance, and growth. Growing up in a dance-filled household (thanks to his older sister), Nick found comfort and confidence in movement. “My dancing is smooth and slow. There’s a desire to have continuous motion, something I’ve always wanted in my voice,” he explained. Dance allowed him to express emotions without words—something many people who stutter can relate to. Nick Korkos - Quinn Wharton for SF Danceworks Embracing Imperfection in the Studio For Nick, teaching dance is not just a job—it’s his favorite part of being human. “It allows vulnerability to exist and be on display without having to hide it.” Whether leading a class in a studio or performing for an audience, Nick starts by openly acknowledging his stutter. That act of self-disclosure, he says, helps set the tone: “People are able to be who they are. The energy in the room changes.” He sees teaching as a form of performance, much like professional choreography. It’s about showing up, being present, and breaking down traditional hierarchies. “I try to meet students on their level, and my speech is a vehicle to get there,” Nick shared. Nick Korkos Life in the Spotlight—and On Film Many in the NSA community first met Nick through the short docufilm Bound By a Thread , directed by James Kinney and Pierre Marias . Initially cast as a dancer, Nick soon became one of the film’s main subjects. The story centers on love through the lens of disability, and Nick reflected on how powerful it was to share his experience as a queer person who stutters. But he admitted that watching the film again stirred up complex emotions. “I regret not talking more about the struggles. Even with an amazing support system, I always knew I was different.” Like many people who stutter, Nick spent years trying to fit in and minimize his difference. Only in recent years has he truly begun to unpack the emotional layers. A Journey Toward Acceptance Nick shared that it took nearly two decades to truly process the pain of growing up with a stutter. “No matter who you are, the hardest part is acceptance—of how you chose to deal with being different and the ways you tried to hide who you are.” Now in his 30s, Nick embraces new creative pursuits like copywriting and content creation. After 17 years of dancing professionally, he’s exploring ways to build a more stable, grounded life—without losing the vulnerability that fuels his art. He dreams of writing a book one day, sharing his story with the world, and continuing to raise awareness about what it means to live—and thrive—with a stutter. “Someone Told Me to Be Less Human” Not every experience has been positive. Nick recounted a painful memory when someone once told him to “be less human.” As someone who has always led with heart and vulnerability, this remark cut deep. " K nowing someone wanted me to be less of myself was extremely hard to hear.” But through it all, Nick has stayed true to who he is. He believes his stutter has made him more empathetic, open-minded, and willing to connect more deeply. Nick Korkos - Quinn Wharton for SF Danceworks “Being Alive” Through Dance When asked to choose a song or dance piece that best represents his journey, Nick picked “Being Alive” by Stephen Sondheim. He even crowdfunded and produced a short dance film to the song. In the performance, Nick embodies the character Bobby from Company , using dance to explore vulnerability, loneliness, and hope. As the song crescendos with the line, “I’ll always be there / As frightened as you / To help us survive / Being alive,” Nick’s expressive movement becomes a powerful reminder of what it means to live boldly with a stutter. A Message to His Younger Self If Nick could speak to his younger self—the little boy unsure of his voice—he’d offer this advice: “Do not let it hold you back. Be proud of who you are and talk about it. Acknowledge your speech and try not to shy away from being different.” It’s a message many of us need to hear that captures the spirit of the NSA community: a place where people who stutter can feel seen, heard, and fully themselves. Watch Nick's Performances:

Introduction: Meet Karla García Karla García is a bilingual speech-language pathologist (SLP), a person who stutters, and a passionate advocate for inclusive and affirming care. In this interview, Karla shares her personal journey, from growing up in a multilingual household and navigating difficult therapy experiences to becoming a professional committed to changing the field for future generations. Early Years: Stuttering, Family, and Identity Where are you from, and when did you begin stuttering? I was born in Maryland, and my family roots are from El Salvador and Honduras. I began stuttering around age 5, just as I started kindergarten. Does anyone else in your family stutter? Yes, my dad stutters, and now my 8-year-old son also stutters. What were conversations about stuttering like in your home? There was a real contrast between my parents. My dad, who stutters, was always an advocate. He believed I just needed time. My mom, meanwhile, followed professional advice aimed at reducing my stutter. Therapy was hard. I often left sessions in tears because I couldn’t be fluent, and that damaged my self-esteem. It created tension at home, I got mixed messages, and wasn’t sure how to handle my stutter. Becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist How did your experience influence your career choice? I originally studied psychology but struggled. My mom suggested speech therapy, and I thought she was crazy. Speech therapy had traumatized me! But she said something that changed everything: “You can go into the field and make it better.” That stuck with me. I switched majors and became an SLP to be the kind of therapist I needed growing up. Bilingualism and Stuttering Do you speak Spanish at home? Yes, I speak Spanish exclusively to my children and with my parents. Do you notice a difference in how you stutter in Spanish vs. English? Absolutely. I used to stutter more in Spanish, but since I began working more with Spanish-speaking clients, it’s improved. Still, I can anticipate certain blocks in Spanish. How do people react to your stutter in both languages? Spanish-speaking families tend to be more patient and expressive. They’re often more appreciative of support because they have fewer resources available. I’ve noticed they open up more and feel more comfortable with me than some English-speaking families. Representation truly matters. View the transcript of the full interview in English & Spanish Advertising and Advocacy Do you let people know you stutter before you speak? Only in high-stakes settings like Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. I’ve learned not to apologize for stuttering but to thank people for their patience instead. Saying “I’m sorry” frames stuttering as a flaw. I want to shift that narrative. Finding the Stuttering Community When did you first connect with the stuttering community? I was introduced to it by Tim Flynn. Before that, I thought it was just me and my dad against the world. I’ve joined virtual support groups and even invited my cousin in Guatemala, who also stutters. This year, I attended my first NSA Conference and it was amazing to connect with others who understand this experience. Have you brought your son to any support groups? Not yet. Honestly, he doesn’t really notice his stutter; he’s fully accepted it. His ADHD actually affects him more socially than his stuttering. What Karla Wishes More People Knew What do you wish the public understood about stuttering? Please don’t speak to us as if we don’t understand. Stuttering is not linked to intelligence. And while people may say “Everyone stutters sometimes,” it minimizes the real challenges and emotional impact many of us have faced. Just listen. Be patient. Don’t finish our sentences. That’s what helps. A Message to Speech Therapists and Families What would you say to others considering therapy or working in the field? Speech therapy has come a long way. My negative experience as a child doesn’t reflect where the field is going. We’re now focusing more on acceptance, emotional well-being, and helping kids communicate confidently, not just fluently. And to therapists: I’m here if you have questions or need support with tough cases. Sometimes, the best therapy isn’t about “fixing” the stutter. It’s about helping the person feel heard and understood. If you’re a person who stutters, especially someone who’s covert or struggling with acceptance, know that you’re not alone. Your story matters, your voice matters, and there's a whole community out there ready to support you.

Co-author: Sam Gennuso, LMFT, MA, MS For many who stutter, the challenges go beyond the way we sound. The social pressures, fear of judgment, and everyday communication can take a toll on our mental health. Anxiety, self-doubt, and frustration are common experiences, but they don’t have to be faced alone. The deep connection between stuttering and mental well-being is not talked about enough. But at the National Stuttering Association (NSA) , we recognize its importance and offer excellent support and resources to help people who stutter (PWS) thrive in the toughest situations, including workplace challenges, social interactions, and even personal self-acceptance.  Understanding the Mental Health Impact of Stuttering People who stutter can face emotional and psychological hurdles. The fear of speaking up, anticipating negative reactions, or feeling misunderstood can lead to: Social anxiety:  Avoiding conversations or public speaking due to fear of judgment. Low self-esteem:  Feeling unheard or undervalued because of anxiety-fueled avoidance or misdirected "advice" and teasing from others. Emotional exhaustion:  The constant mental effort of trying to manage stuttering and  the perceptions of others is overwhelming. However, stuttering is only a part of who you are. It does not define your worth, intelligence, or potential as a human. A supportive community and helpful resources can make a world of difference in your life. Coping Strategies Taking care of your mental well-being is just as important as staying true to yourself as a person who stutters.  Here are some tips to help build confidence and resilience as a PWS: Mindfulness and relaxation techniques:  Deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness exercises can help reduce anxiety and tension before speaking situations. Building a daily practice of these tools makes them easier to access when needed. Positive self-talk:  Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with affirmations such as, “My voice matters,” or “I communicate in my own way.” Finding the actual benefits of stuttering can be a radical shift that can dramatically change our perception of it. Expressive outlets:  Writing, journaling, or creative activities can provide a safe space to process emotions (related to stuttering or not). Setting realistic goals:  Celebrate the victories. You ordered for yourself at a restaurant? Cool! Introduced yourself to a stranger? Awesome! You spoke in a group setting? Impressive! Be proud of and take pride in yourself. Support Groups & Connections You don’t have to go through this journey alone. Connecting with others who stutter can be incredibly empowering. The NSA offers support groups  across the US (both in-person and virtual) where you can: Share your experiences in a safe, nonjudgmental, and welcoming space. Gain encouragement from others who understand the stuttering experience. Learn new strategies for navigating daily interactions. Having a strong support system can boost your confidence and remind you that your voice is just as important as anyone else’s. Seeking Professional Guidance For those who need additional support, professional therapy and mental health resources can be valuable tools in managing stress and anxiety related to stuttering. Consider: Speech therapy and stuttering specialists:  Working with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who specializes in stuttering can help you build confidence in communication. Mental health counseling:  Therapists and counselors can provide strategies for handling social anxiety, self-esteem challenges, and help you build a better emotional well-being. Workplace and school advocacy:  Knowing your rights (this is your friendly reminder that stuttering is recognized and protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA]). and advocating for accommodations in professional or academic settings can reduce stress and create a more inclusive environment for everyone. If you stutter, you are not alone. Stuttering is a part of your journey. By prioritizing your mental health, building a support network with others who stutter, and accessing the right resources focused on stuttering acceptance, you can learn how to embrace your voice confidently! Helpful Resources Discover practical strategies for managing workplace stress and anxiety related to stuttering in this empowering webinar with Carl Coffey and Heather Najman. Learn tools to regulate your nervous system, build confidence, and thrive at work. Struggling with Sunday scaries or workplace anxiety? Join Carl Coffey and Heather Najman for a supportive webinar on managing stress at work—especially for people who stutter. Learn practical tools to shift your mindset and build resilience. Curious how mindfulness can support you at work? This one-hour webinar shares practical tools to help people who stutter manage stress, speak with confidence, and navigate the workplace with greater ease.

Stuttering affects the speech of 1 out of every 100 adults. As such, employers are likely to encounter people who stutter in the workforce or among job applicants. However… Stuttering does not need to be a barrier to success on the job! People who stutter can develop excellent communication skills. Many people who stutter have achieved success in a wide variety of jobs and professions. Still, employment discrimination does exist. Stuttering is widely misunderstood. People who stutter have been passed over for job opportunities and promotions because of their stuttering. In some cases, their skills and talents may be overlooked or underutilized because of misconceptions, common myths, and negative stereotypes about stuttering. How to work with people who stutter Check out these resources to learn more about stuttering and how it can affect workplace cultures and employees We Stutter @ Work Program Stuttering: What Employers Should Know Common Myths About Stuttering Stuttering Treatments Full Disclosure Stuttering in the Workplace: Confronting Discrimination and Promoting Inclusion Need more? We are happy to answer any questions you may have! Contact us.

If you or someone you care about is looking for professional support, finding the right speech-language pathologist can make all the difference. Stuttering specialists are licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who have advanced training and experience in working with people who stutter. These professionals are certified by the American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders (ABFFD)   and have earned the designation of Board-Certified Specialist in Fluency Disorders (BCS-F) . Click here to view the list of Board-Certified Specialists in Fluency Disorders (BCS-F) What Is a BCS-SCF? Board Certified Specialists in Stuttering, Cluttering, and Fluency Disorders (BCS-SCF)  hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC)  from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)   and have demonstrated exceptional knowledge and clinical expertise in diagnosing and treating fluency disorders. This certification is similar to board certification in medical specialties. These specialists may work in a range of settings—including private clinics, schools, hospitals, or universities—and offer both in-person and online services. Their areas of expertise include: Stuttering Cluttering Disruptions in the smooth flow of speech Individual or group therapy Professional training and consultation for other SLPs Can’t Find a Specialist in Your Area? If there is no BCS-F or BCS-SCF listed near you, don’t worry—help is still available. We encourage you to: Reach out to a nearby certified specialist  who may be able to refer you to qualified colleagues in your region Contact the NSA national office  for additional referrals: (800) We Stutter The NSA also maintains a list of speech-language pathologists who are committed to supporting people who stutter. These professionals have either participated in our continuing education programs or have attended the NSA Annual Conference. Important Disclaimer Please note that the National Stuttering Association (NSA) does not evaluate or endorse the competence of individual speech-language pathologists , nor do we guarantee the outcomes of any treatment. We recommend reaching out to providers directly to learn more about their qualifications, areas of expertise, and approach to working with children and adults who stutter.

Written by: David Alpuche t week, I had the opportunity to sit with Orlando Sanchez Lugo (IG: @orlandosanchezlugo , @obsessd.podcast ), an artist, designer, and podcaster from Monterrey, México. We talked about his life as a person who stutters, discovering your community, and how doors open when you face your fears. Here’s our conversation: David: Hello, Orlando. It’s a pleasure to sit here with you. Why don’t we start from the beginning? Can you tell us about yourself, where you're from, your age, and when you began stuttering? Orlando: First of all, thank you. It was nice of you to come to the studio. I am Orlando Sanchez, born in Mexico. I moved to Chicago when I was 10 and came to Texas. I just turned 40 last year. I don’t remember exactly how old I was when I discovered I was different and spoke differently from other kids; maybe I was 5 or 6. My dad also stutters. David: Do you remember having any conversations about stuttering with your family? Orlando: My dad and I spoke about it when I was younger; I think we could relate to how we felt. I knew a kid who stuttered in Mexico, but it wasn’t very noticeable. I never asked him anything because I didn’t know how to approach it.  David: You didn’t mention it in your intro, but what do you do for a living? Orlando: Since I finished high school, I’ve made art. I’ve always been drawn to making stuff from scratch. Right now, I paint shoes and the paintings that you see here. That’s been my full-time job for a year.  David: I can relate to that, I’ve always been into visual arts. Do you think the way you speak was a reason or influence why you went into art? Orlando: I don’t think so because everybody was doing some kind of art in our family. My grandma used to sew clothes, my uncles painted, and I have relatives who play music. My dad is also a designer. I don’t think it was the main reason, but it was through art when I was finding ways to express myself. It was easier to communicate.  David: We are both from Mexico, living in a different country, with a different culture. Have you noticed any difference in how people react to your stutter between here and Mexico? Orlando: Yes, but maybe it was because we were younger, and kids can be cruel. I grew up in both countries, but I could tell that people in the US are more aware of the condition. In Mexico, it was always bullying, all the time. It was difficult, but that helped me become stronger and learn how to defend myself. It was easier in America. David: I feel that in Mexico, we are quicker to give each other nicknames for just about anything. We are also quicker to interrupt each other!  Orlando: That’s the worst. Even in job interviews, I’m talking to the CEO and I’m like “Bro! You are supposed to be more knowledgeable about that. You deal with people, you shouldn’t finish somebody’s sentences.” I feel there should be a class about how to interact with people with any kind of disability. David: In the organization I work with, To Be Like Me, we teach people about what it's like to be different, how to react, what you can ask, and what you shouldn’t ask so they have an idea of what people who are different from them go through. Orlando: Yeah, there’s a way to ask. I don’t have an issue with people asking; it’s all about the approach. David: You also have a podcast ( ØBSESSD on Spotify ) where you interview other artists. How did you get into that? Did your stutter make you hesitant about recording yourself? Orlando: It was interesting because I was hired to interview artists for an art show in Dallas called “15 Latinas, One Common Thread.” My job was to interview the artists to showcase their art. The person who hired me knew me, so I didn’t think she cared I had this… is there a term? Disability? Speech impediment? David: Speech impediment, speech disorder, difference… Orlando: Disorder sounds weird, bro! David: I know, but that’s how it was called. Now we are starting to call it “speech difference,” which I think is a much better term than “disorder.” Orlando: Yeah, it’s better! So, she knew I had this speech difference. When that project ended, some stuff happened in my life; I had some rough times. I didn’t know how to showcase my art and be part of that culture. One day, I started calling friends and asking if they would be willing to interview so people could learn more about their art. For me, it was a challenge… what can I do to challenge myself? The big challenge was that I hate listening to my voice, so I started the podcast. The beginning was hard because I edited it too, and I had to listen to my voice repeatedly, but it was an opportunity to catch up with friends who paint or make music. When I did the fourth episode with Chris Knight, he introduced me to some of his friends, I reached out… and doors have opened. The new artists I talk to don’t know I have this speech difference. It’s going to be cool seeing how they react. David: What effect do you think your way of speaking has on others? Many friends have told me that my way of speaking has taught them to be patient. I wonder if you notice something similar when you're interviewing someone else. Orlando: For sure. You can see that people need to adapt to it. If they don’t know you, they can get uncomfortable… but that’s rare. I think as people get older, they are better at it. David: I have also noticed that since we have no choice but to be vulnerable in front of others, it gives them a reason to be vulnerable and open. Have you noticed that? Orlando: Yes, I could tell they try to be nice, which is cool. When I was taking art classes in college, there were a few people with disabilities, and I was always around them.  David: I also feel that I gravitated towards the outsiders since I was a kid. Orlando: Yeah, same. We were all different in our own ways. Some kids were deaf, so I learned to use sign language. I had a friend who was blind. To me, it was normal, but you could tell when others weren't as open. At this age, I don’t care. David: Sometimes, it takes getting older to overcome all the fears and insecurities we had growing up. On that note, when do you think was the hardest time as a person who stutters? Orlando: I think the hardest age was when I was trying to advance my design career to a senior level. As a senior UI/UX (user interface/user experience) designer, you have to present to the CEOs or people up the chain. That was my hardest time because I would tell myself, “I’m so good at my job, but… talking?” You could tell people would get uncomfortable when I was presenting. I was about 25. Was it the same to you? David: Yeah, similar. My first job as a photographer was working as a second camera for someone else. He was in charge of the scheduling, talking to clients, etc, and I would just show up with my camera. I quickly realized I was a better photographer than he was, but I had the fear of having to talk to clients, phone calls, all of that. Working with him, I learned the business side, but it took me many years to have the courage to go and do it on my own. I was scared. Orlando: I think that makes us better.  David: You are new to the stuttering community. How did you get involved and why? Orlando: I was in Chicago and having a hard time finding a job. I wanted to keep making art, so I thought I could find a nonprofit or a sponsorship. I asked myself, What makes me different? I realized my stutter made me different, so I started looking for stuttering organizations. I reached out to the NSA, to Tammy Flores. She replied, and that’s how I started. We were planning to do some stuff with my artwork. That was my first attempt to be part of the community. There was a chapter next to me, and I was going to attend, but it was winter in Chicago.  David: Have you ever been to a meeting or conference?  Orlando: No, just Zoom meetups. I joined one about preparing for a job interview and one in Spanish. David: Were they helpful? Orlando: Oh yeah! Helpful for sure, I got a lot of ideas. One of them was to introduce myself as a person who stutters. When I did that for job interviews, I could tell that it was easier for people to keep up with the conversation. In my field, there are a few steps to getting a job: talking to an HR person, usually on the phone. I wondered if mentioning my stutter would be a disadvantage, but I didn’t care. If a company bases my worth on that, I don’t want to work for them. David: I am also a big proponent of disclosing. If we don’t say anything, we are letting the other person come up with their own explanation about why we sound the way we sound. They can think we have anxiety, are nervous, are unprepared, don’t know the answers, or are drunk. They can come up with anything! But if you tell them, the majority of people are understanding.  Orlando: Yes! Those meetups were so good, and the people were so nice. I learned from those who participated and spoke out, sharing my thoughts about applying for a job. The one in Spanish, too. I want to join more. Let me ask you something: Do you think I should mention it on the podcast? David: If you feel that it would be helpful. One of my questions was, “You have your own platform, have you ever talked about stuttering publicly?” Orlando: I have talked about it in a few episodes, but my work is mostly paintings and visuals on social media. I think half of the people who see my stuff don’t know. You know what? My next episode is with an artist from Venezuela. I will mention my stutter because that way, people won’t think I’m nervous.  David: I think it would be a good experiment! To conclude our interview, what advice do you have for others who stutter?  Orlando: These questions are hard because we all have our differences. Over the years, I’ve learned to pause more and breathe, and this works for me. I learned from those Zoom meetings to let people know because that calms us down, and it won’t surprise the listener. I try not to do things that raise my levels of anxiety. Find peace. David: As I’ve grown older, I've also learned that taking my time when I speak is okay. We think that the listener will be impatient, but I would say that the first one to get impatient is usually us. I have learned that if I am patient with myself, the listener will react similarly. Orlando: I need to do that more, express that I have a speech difference, be more aware, and communicate more… but I get tired! I've met so many new people that I have to consider whether I’m going to see you again.  David: I feel that is something the rest of the world doesn’t seem to understand about stuttering. For us, every conversation is a unique challenge. We are always thinking, "Will I see you again?" This changes our approach. Orlando: Yeah, that’s true, but sometimes, I just don’t care. I always ask questions when I’m on a call with a company CEO. If I stutter, I don’t care, but you can tell some people make faces. David: Finally, what would you want others to know about stuttering? Orlando: It wasn’t our choice. We didn’t choose to be born with this difference. We are all born like this, right? David: The majority, yes, but here in our Chapter, we have a woman named Kelly—shout out to Kelly!—who was in a car accident when she was 21. She was in a coma, and when she woke up weeks later, she had a stutter. She didn't have a stutter in the first half of her life, but in the second half, she does. It’s a completely different experience. Orlando: I didn’t know that, but yeah. I would tell people we didn’t choose it; we try to cope and live our lives. Sometimes, it’s hard. I know people who have a hard time, but they reach out, go to meetings, and learn about stuttering. David: This was really fun. Is there anything else you want to share with the people of the NSA? Orlando: Thanks a lot for what they do. I’ll attend more meetups; I want to be more open and help others! Follow Orlando on IG at @orlandosanchezlugo and @obsessd.podcast . His podcast is available on Spotify.