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In October, my fiancée and I went to a Survivor watch party hosted by former contestants. At that party, two former contestants with whom I’m friendly told me about Mitch. Mitch Guerra I was thrilled that someone who sounds like me would be on my favorite show. At the same time, I was worried about his edit and how he would do in the game. Would his stutter be his entire story, and not just a small part of his story? Would his fellow tribemates equate stuttering moments with lying? Would his tribemates vote him out because he has a “good story”? These questions and more raced through my mind as the premiere date got closer and closer. I watched the first episode and was relieved to see Mitch was just Mitch. Yet, I still wondered if it was a matter of time before my concerns were validated. Episode two is where, for a segment, Mitch went from Mitch the Survivor player to Mitch the person who stutters. But the segment wasn’t what I feared could happen. Instead, it made me happy to be a lifelong Survivor fan. For those that need a reminder, Jeff Probst asked Mitch a question before the immunity challenge . During his response, Mitch had a few stuttering moments. Probst took this opportunity to ask Mitch how he could best be an ally to people who stutter (PWS). What I loved about this moment is that Probst wasn’t taking this opportunity to make a viral moment. Rather, it was one person asking another person how to be supportive. It just happened to be captured by cameras and broadcast on CBS. Once the segment ended, Mitch went back to being Mitch the Survivor player. And it stayed that way. As the game progressed, Mitch moved to the foreground and his stutter moved mostly to the background. His stutter came up only when it was necessary. The main time when he bonded with fellow contestant Cedrick McFadden, who stuttered as a child, over speech therapy. Besides those moments, Mitch was allowed to be Mitch the Survivor player and not Mitch the person who stutters. We saw Mitch have the full Survivor experience. He dominated in the immunity challenges. He found advantages. He was on the right side of the vote. He was on the wrong side of the vote. He played a great social game. He tried to make moves but couldn’t get the numbers together. He made the final five and was two days away from pitching his case to the jury about why he should win. But at the final five, the rest of the tribe told him he was going home because he was too likable and would win if he made the final three. Seeing him get his torch snuffed was emotional for me. For years, I wanted nothing to do with my stutter, was embarrassed by it, and wondered what others thought of me. To see a PWS be too likable to keep around caused me to shed a tear. Ultimately, my fears going into the season were for naught. Mitch’s tribemates were open to his stuttering and viewed it as a non-issue (which it should be). They did not equate his stuttering moments to lying, but rather equated his stuttering moments to Mitch being his authentic self. His edit was one of highs and lows that were game-related, not stuttering-related. I hope that Mitch playing the game can show the rest of the population that PWS are just like everyone else and can do anything. More importantly, I hope that Mitch’s time on Survivor lights the torch for other PWS to be on reality TV and openly stutter on TV. That their stutter is one part of the story and not the whole story. And that ultimately, we don’t need any articles about stuttering in the media because it’s viewed the same way a person wearing glasses playing Survivor is viewed. Mitch may have lost, but he won in his own way. He represented our reality in a way my 12-year-old and 32-year-old selves never thought possible. And for that, I thank you, Mitch. *  James Hayden sat down with Mitch Guerra about his Survivor 48 experience! Watch the video here.

Feelings and Emotions Charades is a fun and interactive game designed to help kids explore, express, and identify different emotions through non-verbal communication. This activity not only enhances emotional expression but also builds empathy and improves communication skills in a playful, engaging way. Objective: To encourage kids to express and identify different emotions or situations by acting them out, helping them practice communication skills and emotional awareness in a fun and interactive setting. How to Play: Materials Needed: A list of emotions or situations written on slips of paper (e.g., happiness, sadness, excitement, surprise, frustration, fear, etc.). A container to hold the slips of paper. Setup: Divide the Group:  Split the kids into teams or have them play individually, depending on the group size. Draw and Act:  Each round, one child will draw a slip of paper from the container and act out the emotion or situation written on it without using words. Guess the Emotion:  The other players will try to guess the emotion or situation being portrayed. Acting Out Emotions/Situations: The child acting out the emotion will have a few seconds to think about how to express it using facial expressions, body language, and gestures. For example, if the slip says "excited," the child might jump up and down, clap their hands, and smile widely. Guessing: The other players or team members watch the performance and try to guess the emotion or situation. Points can be awarded to the team that guesses correctly first, or the first individual to guess correctly. Time Challenge (Optional): Set a timer for each round to add excitement. The actor must convey the emotion or situation before time runs out. Switching Roles: After each round, switch the actor so every child gets a chance to act out an emotion or situation. Benefits: Emotional Expression:  Encourages kids to explore and express different emotions through non-verbal communication. Communication Skills:  Helps kids understand and convey emotions without using words, enhancing their ability to interpret and express feelings. Empathy Building:  By guessing emotions and situations, kids practice recognizing and understanding the feelings of others. Fun and Engagement:  Keeps kids engaged in a playful, low-pressure environment, making it easier to discuss feelings and emotions. Variations: Advanced Scenarios:  For older kids, include more complex situations, such as "losing a game," "getting a surprise gift," or "meeting a new friend." Emotion Mix-Up:  Have kids act out two emotions at once (e.g., "happy and surprised") to make the game more challenging. Story Charades:  Instead of single emotions, give kids a brief scenario to act out, like "getting ready for school" or "playing at the park," incorporating multiple emotions. Tips for Success: Encourage creativity and imagination while acting out emotions. Maintain a supportive atmosphere, ensuring everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves. After each round, discuss the emotions or situations portrayed to reinforce the learning experience. Conclusion: Feelings and Emotions Charades is a powerful tool for helping kids explore their emotions, build empathy, and develop their communication skills. Whether in classrooms, therapy sessions, or at home, this activity offers both fun and educational value, making it a perfect addition to any group setting.

Since 1999, the National Stuttering Association (NSA) has proudly supported a growing body of research aimed at understanding, treating, and destigmatizing stuttering. This archive honors all past and present researchers, award recipients, and NSA Research Committee-approved projects that have contributed to our collective knowledge of stuttering. Graduate Student Research Award Recipients $5,000 grant  supporting graduate-level research in stuttering. Previously known as the NSA Research Fund Award. Year Recipient(s) Research Title 2025 Amir Hossein Jokar Rasoli How Do Teens Who Stutter Define Stuttering? 2024 Haley Warner, M.S., CCC-SLP How the Perception of the Listener Impacts Stuttering in Early Childhood 2023 Cody Dew, MA, CCC-SLP How People Who Stutter Experience and Navigate Stigma and Discrimination in the U.S. Labor Force: A Phenomenological Analysis 2022 Ryan Millager, MS, CCC-SLP Parent-Oriented Features in Early Childhood Stuttering: A Pilot Study 2021 Xiaofan Lei, MA Stuttering and Emotion in Daily Life 2020 Robyn Croft, MS, CF-SLP; PhD Student & Dr. Courtney Byrd Improving Quality of Life for Adults Who Stutter Through an Online Self-Compassion Intervention: A Pilot Study 2017 Cara M. Singer, M.A., CCC-SLP The Contribution of Cognitive-Emotional and Speech-Language Vulnerabilities to Stuttering Chronicity 2016 Kim Bauerly, PhD, CCC-SLP The Effects of Social Stress on Speech-Motor Control in Adults Who Stutter 2015 Mary Weidner, MS, CCC-SLP Mitigating Non-Stuttering Children’s Attitudes Toward Their Peers Who Stutter 2014 Sujini Ramachandar, MS, CCC-SLP and J. Scott Yaruss, Ph.D, CCC-SLP, BRS-FD, ASHA Fellow Identifying Neuroanatomical Differences in People Who Stutter Using High Definition Fiber Tracking Canadeo Research Award Recipients Award recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of stuttering research. Year Recipient(s) Research Title 2019 Christopher Constantino, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Stuttering Identity’s Contribution to Well-Being Among Adults Who Stutter 2018 Rodney Gabel, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-F & Michael P. Boyle, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Being Open About Stuttering: What Are the Effects? 2017 Victoria Tumanova, PhD, CCC-SLP Autonomic Nervous System Response to Speech Production in Stuttering and Normally Fluent Preschool-Age Children 2016 Hatun Zengin-Bolatkale, M.A., CCC-SLP 2015 Michael P. Boyle, Ph.D. Reducing the Stigma Associated with Stuttering: A Comparison of Three Strategies for Change 2014 Chagit Edery Clark Linguistic Dissociations, Attention Regulation, and Childhood Stuttering 2013 Emily O’Dell Garnett, M.S., CCC-SLP and Dirk-Bart den Ouden, Ph.D. Effects of Cortical Stimulation on Self-Monitoring Performance in People Who Stutter 2012 Geoff Coalson, MS, CCC-SLP & Courtney Byrd, PhD, CCC-SLP Phonological Syllabification in Adults Who Do and Do Not Stutter CASE Research Grant Recipients $15,000 grant supporting research in Community, Advocacy, Support, and Education (CASE) Year Recipient(s) Research Title 2024 Dr. David Evans Jenson The Impact of Self-Disclosure on Autonomic Activity in People Who Stutter and Conversational Partners 2023 Dr. Jeanne Nakamura Fluency and Flow Experiences in the Daily Lives of People Who Stutter 2022 Dr. John Tetnowski & Dr. J. Cecil Use of Virtual Reality Simulations to Promote Carry-Over in Older Children and Adolescents Who Stutter 2021 Dr. Nan Ratner Establishing an Evidence-Base for Recommendations to Parents of Young Children Who Stutter

DM Forker Meet DM Forker: He’s 52 years old, a criminal investigator, an author, and a person who stutters. He   has stuttered his entire life. He has an identical twin, who does not stutter. His grandfather, whom he never met, had a stutter, and so does his eldest daughter. In March 2025, he self-published a book, “WAR for WORDS.”  This book is his life story and provides insight into his stuttering journey. He wanted someone who does not stutter to feel the anguish and struggle accompanying his speech. He also wanted to emphasize within the book that you can accomplish any of your life goals, even with the challenges that can come with having a stutter.  The National Stuttering Association (NSA) emailed DM a few questions. His responses have been lightly trimmed and edited for brevity and grammatical purposes.  NSA: You mentioned wanting fluent readers to feel the anguish and struggle through your book. Was it tough to be that raw and vulnerable on the page? What surprised you most in the writing process? Forker:  I left the book completely raw, open, and honest. It wasn’t difficult. It was almost therapeutic. Using my written words to tell the story of my spoken words was a good release for me. Spilling my emotions onto the page felt like taking stones out of my backpack and throwing them into a lake, lessening the load I have carried for so long on my life journey. In its infancy, the book was only to be read by my wife, children, and grandchildren, to show them they can become what they want to be in this life, and not let situations or people hold them back. So when I decided to release my written project for all the world to read, I was nervous. The questions that stirred in my gray matter were, “What will people think? How will my friends and coworkers react to me after reading a book with so much raw emotion and my personal story?” The response, for the most part, has been positive, which is what I choose to focus on. As in most things, some negatives will arise, but you deal with them and push forward. I focus on the positive because my sole purpose for releasing my life story for the masses to read is to help others. If I could make a full-time career out of helping others with speech differences, I would do that. I have a heart for it. I am a big believer that if you can help others, you not only enrich their life but also your own life as well. I wanted to show people that if you keep pushing forward even in tough situations, you can accomplish more than letting your situation rule over you. Spilling my emotions onto the page felt like taking stones out of my backpack and throwing them into a lake, lessening the load I have carried for so long on my life journey. - DM Forker This book has taken me 15 years to complete. Looking back, I’m happy it took me 15 years to write. It helped me change my outlook and have more life experiences with my speech, so that I can share more. During the process, I noticed that I write more eloquently than I speak; I can express myself more vividly on the page than in person, and I actually like that fact. I think that’s why I love and enjoy the power of the written word. NSA: You mentioned your grandfather stuttered and your daughter does too, but fascinatingly, your twin brother doesn’t. How has stuttering shaped your family conversations across generations, and what has this taught you? Forker: My grandfather, whom I never met, stuttered. I was told he was a hard man, a hard worker, a fighter, and never backed down. I believe some of his traits, like stuttering, toughness, and resilience, were passed down to me. My stuttering is generational: my grandfather stuttered, I stutter, and my oldest daughter stutters.  We grew up in the late 70s and 80s. As a kid who stuttered back then, not much help was offered. My parents are good people, let’s get that right. They also came from a hard generation. You work hard and don’t talk about your problems, so my stuttering was never discussed. It was the generation that if you don’t talk about it, it doesn’t exist, and it might go away. My stuttering never went away. I was left to deal with a speech difference I couldn’t understand. Why was I the only kid who couldn’t speak “correctly”? Why was I getting laughed at and mocked daily? As a child, how do you deal with that alone? That brought me into a world of isolation and struggle at a young age that would become my constant companions for my entire life. I had to advocate for myself and navigate the waves of emotional self-loathing that accompanied my journey. Being alone and searching for help would make up my entire childhood.  Fast forward to when I became a father. Anyone who knows me knows my family is my priority! So when my oldest daughter showed signs of developing a stutter, it broke my heart. I knew the pain, sorrow, and loneliness I went through because of my struggle to speak. I was going to do everything in my power to keep that from happening to my daughter.  We decided to homeschool her. My school years were a torturous hell for me. The mocking and being laughed at daily is very hard for a child to overcome when it’s a daily routine. We also had frequent stuttering conversations at home. I ensured her feelings, emotions, and questions were heard and addressed. We would practice speaking techniques and how to handle situations that might arise. She entered the public school at the junior high level. She thrived, graduated high school with honors, was homecoming queen, graduated college with honors, and is now a terrific mother herself.  I am beyond proud of her and my other daughter as well. I believe the environment you grow up in plays a role in how you can adapt and overcome the challenges of having a speech difference. Don’t pretend it doesn’t exist; talk about it, be supportive, and advocate for your children. Support goes a long way in helping that child to be successful in life. NSA: Can you tell us what you do for a career, what your day-to-day duties are, and how you navigate the workplace and interact with coworkers as someone who stutters? Forker:  I am currently an investigator for a sheriff’s office. I wanted to be a law enforcement officer as a child. Our family had a couple of law enforcement officers, and it seemed very interesting from a young age. But at a young age and struggling with my speech, I never really knew if this would be possible. As I grew older, I heard some individuals say that becoming a law enforcement officer with a stutter would never be possible. That advice proved to be untrue.  It was definitely a challenge to get my current position, and it felt like climbing a mountain. Rocky, with some trails leading nowhere, only to find another trail to go down. I went on countless interviews and did numerous physical, mental, and intellectual tests over the span of years. I was rejected many times, all relating to my speech. I was a good candidate in all aspects, except… my speech was a “problem.” Law enforcement interviews are typically in front of a board, made up of several uniformed officers and administration. I actually spoke with some officers who were on some of those boards years after the interview. They told me I was their choice but were outvoted, mostly by the administration, which saw my stuttering as a liability.  I was eventually hired at my current agency as a deputy. I had to go through an 8-week probationary period with my field training officer (FTO). That entailed riding along with my FTO and learning how the job was done. After several weeks of just watching, I was in the driver's seat and actually doing the job under watchful eyes. To say it was overwhelming is an understatement. The information you must know as an officer is immense. The radio is our lifeline to let other officers know what is happening and where. It is our communication system. Using a code, we communicate with other officers and our dispatcher, who usually directs us where to go and the details of the situation as best they know. Using the radio was difficult for me. Speaking on demand under stress is not easy. My FTO would do an evaluation after every shift. This carried on for 8 weeks. Each evaluation was positive and the only criticism was to use the radio more and get more comfortable with using it. I graduated from FTO after 8 weeks and was sent to the 16-week intensive training academy.  In the academy, you take weekly tests covering the law and procedures. You take a total of over 20 tests while at the academy. If you fail a test, you get one retake. If you fail again, you are kicked out. That alone is stressful. At that point, you are sent back to your agency and, most of the time, you are fired and have no job. That wasn’t an option for me. Through the academy, you also have physical testing and standards to maintain. The first day, you are split into groups and assigned a head duty officer. These officers are instructors. We were to report any issues to them and they were to take it up the chain of command if necessary. I told my head duty officer about my stutter. They thanked me for telling them and told me to do my best. I graduated in the top 10 of my class and became a deputy.  After graduation, I was told my FTO, who quit before I graduated, was telling others that I would never make it and that the academy would “eat me alive.” This is why I say don’t let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do. He didn’t believe in me—I didn’t need him to. I have found that people who stutter are resilient. We have had to fight through things. That’s our journey, and we will and do find ways to overcome.  As a deputy, my daily routine was making traffic stops for speeding, driving under the influence, crossing over the center line, etc. I also took reports of theft, vandalism, and vehicle accidents. I then received an unsolicited promotion to investigator. Being an investigator is a lot more involved. I interview individuals and investigate all aspects of crimes. I have investigated deaths, sexual assaults, burglaries, assaults, fraud, child abuse, and drugs, to name a few. I also testify in court. I write detailed reports, subpoenas, and search warrants. I have led search warrants on homes and businesses.  Search warrant execution, when you knock in doors and search for individuals and evidence, is probably the most exciting part of the job. That and high-speed pursuits. But most of the job is interacting with people and mountains of paperwork. They say law enforcement is a stressful career, and it is for sure. I have seen more than most people will ever see in two lifetimes. I often quote the line from the movie A League of Their Own , “I’ve seen enough to know I’ve seen too much.”  How do I navigate all my career has to throw at me with my stuttering? Well, I wish I could say it’s all fluency all the time. That would be a bold-faced lie. I still have moderate to slightly severe stuttering at times. During interviews, I stutter. I never disclose it upfront. It happens and I carry on like it never happened. I have never been questioned about my stuttering. Some individuals I speak with see it as a weakness they can use. They think because I stutter I’m not smart. Not true! My stuttering can be used as an asset. But most of all, I am empathetic and respectful to all. Stuttering has taught me that the world has enough jerks; I don’t need to be one. Several individuals shake my hand and even hug me before I close the jail cell on them. They thank me for treating them like a human. I tell them we are all humans. We all make mistakes and I’m no better than anyone just because of a badge I wear. Yes, I do stutter on the job. But no one has ever questioned me about it to my face.  My coworkers have all read my book, and I have had an overwhelmingly positive response from them. So keep pushing forward, and don’t put limits on yourself. At 52 years of age, I’m still pushing forward to see what life has next for me. NSA: What are some of the proudest moments in your life that have nothing to do with “perfect speech,” but everything to do with resilience or character? Forker:  My proudest moments are how my children grew up to be amazing young women. You always want your children to be more than what you are. They both have gone above and beyond that mark. Being a person who stutters in my younger years, I didn’t know if anyone would even want to date me, let alone marry me. So when a blonde-haired, blue-eyed, cute girl was interested in me, I was beyond amazed. She is such a wonderful queen, mother, and person. She has such a kind soul and bubbly personality. Marrying her and having two beautiful daughters are the proudest moments of my life. Everything else is icing on the cake. NSA: If you were sitting across from someone young who stutters and feels discouraged, what would you tell them to help them carry forward? Forker:  If I had the opportunity to speak to the young person who stutters and is discouraged today, I would first say I have truly been there. I know your discouragement, anxiety, and pain. But you are stronger than you think you are. You can overcome and do more than you think you can right now. Never quit trying new things. You may fail; in fact, you will fail at some things. Remember, everyone fails. I have failed so many times. That’s how you learn. Get back up and try again. It will sometimes be difficult, but find someone you can talk to. Express yourself to them. Express your fears, anxiety, and pain to them. Then make a plan of action to move forward and accomplish your goals and dreams.  I have been told NO so many times in my life because of my speech. People have told me, “You will never do this or that because of your stutter.” In my head, I always took that as a challenge. It’s not how many times you get knocked down, it’s how many times you get back up. And you get back up every time! Believe in yourself, ask for help, and express yourself, whether in the written word, music, art, or whatever it might be. You have something to say; let the world hear it. Get your words out into the world. You only get one life. Don’t let other people put their expectations on your life. It’s your life; they have their own, so don’t let them tell you what you can’t do. Don’t let them put limitations on you, and don’t put limitations on yourself. Try new things. Just because we speak differently doesn’t mean we can’t impact the world by living up to our full potential. Never stop pushing forward. NSA: You’ve been on this journey with stuttering for decades. If you could hop on a time machine and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? Forker:  It would be to accept your stutter as a part of you. Don’t fight against it so hard, but embrace it. When I say don’t fight against it so hard, I don’t mean you can’t try to better your speech, but accept it as a journey. Let it teach you the life lessons it has for you. It will teach you about people, the good and the bad. It will teach you empathy and how to treat others in the right way. It will teach you to be strong and that you can push through hard situations. Embrace it and it will shape you into who you will become. My stuttering can be used as an asset; I am empathetic and respectful to all. Stuttering has taught me that the world has enough jerks; I don't need to be one. Several individuals shake my hand and even hug me before I close the jail cell on them. They thank me for treating them like a human. I tell them, 'we're all human!'" - DM Forker For more information and resources about stuttering, visit the NSA website at WeStutter.org .

We’re thrilled to announce the NSA Conference app is now updated for the upcoming 42nd Annual Conference! It’s designed to put everything you need for the Conference at your fingertips. Hosted on Spaces by Wix, this easy-to-use, free app offers: Access to the full conference schedule with the ability to build your personalized agenda Real-time updates on sessions and speakers Direct messaging with NSA staff and support Getting started is simple! 1️⃣ Get Started Download the Spaces by Wix app  from the App Store or Google Play Store. Use the invite link  provided in your email to join our 2025 NSA Conference App. Log in (or create a free Wix account). 2️⃣ Explore the Home Screen of the NSA Conference App When you log in, you’ll land on the Home Screen. Here, you’ll find: Welcome: An overview and key updates about the conference. Quick Access Tabs  below, such as Schedule, Guest Speakers, Activities, FAQs, and more. Tap any section to explore it! 3️⃣ Create Your Personalized Schedule Go to Schedule  in the menu. Tap the ⭐️ star icon  next to any session you want to attend. These starred sessions will be saved to My Agenda  for easy reference! 4️⃣ Share Your Conference Photos Tap on the Share Your Photos  section. Upload your favorite photos (up to 100 at a time)– they might be featured on our website or social media! 5️⃣ Join the Conversation in Group Chat Find the Group Chat  section in the menu. Connect with other attendees – share your experience, ask questions, and chat in real-time! Tap to post photos, videos, or even start a poll to get insights from your fellow conference-goers. 6️⃣ Extra Features & Tips Chat with Us:  Need help? Tap the blue “Chat with Us”  button on any screen. Stay Organized:  Bookmark key info like FAQs, family resources, and the map. Turn on Notifications:  So you don’t miss updates! Pro Tip: The Schedule  and Group Chat  are your go-to spots during the conference. Check them often for live updates and to make the most of your experience! Pre-order your Conference Merch Pre-order your 42nd Annual Conference merch right now through the NSA Conference app and your gear will be ready for pickup when you arrive! It’s easy, breezy, and carry-on friendly. You’re all set! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out . We’re always here to assist!

Written by NSA Contributor and   Survivor  superfan James Hayden, this blog follows the journey of   Mitch Guerra  — the first openly stuttering contestant in the show's history. Mitch Guerra We're rooting for Mitch every step of the way and can’t wait to see how his story unfolds. This post will be updated weekly with episode recaps featuring Mitch, so be sure to check back. Let’s hope he earns the title of Sole Survivor! Episode 1 Recap Episode 2 Recap Episode 3 Recap Episode 4 Recap Episode 5 Recap Episode 6 Recap Episode 7 Recap Episode 8 Recap Episode 9 Recap Episode 10 Recap Episode 11 Recap Episode 12 Recap Finale Recap Weekly Recap of Mitch's Journey on Survivor Season 48 Survivor Season 48 Episode 1 Recap Survivor 48 begins with a montage of the cast discovering they’re going to Fiji! Mitch is featured in this montage, but we aren’t officially introduced to him until the cast is marooned. Jeff Probst, host since season 1, greets the cast and formally welcomes them to Survivor 48. After giving the cast a pep talk, Probst asks Mitch, “Why did you answer the call to be here?” Mitch explains how seeing Christy Smith, who is deaf, play in Survivor: The Amazon  inspired him to play. During his response, Mitch openly stutters and discloses that he has a stutter to the group. When Jeff asked what took him so long to get there, Mitch responded, “I’ve been trying to get out here for 20 years.” The cast laughs, and Mitch makes a good first impression overall.  After asking two other players the same question, Jeff announces the tribe names. Mitch’s tribe is called Civa and their tribe color is orange. The other two tribes are Lagi and Vula, wearing purple and green, respectively. In the opening reward challenge, Lagi wins their camp supplies: flint, machete, and a pot. Civa and Vula have a second chance to win their supplies. Each must send one player to compete in the challenge. Civa sends Kyle and Vula sends Kevin. Kevin secures supplies for his tribe, which means Civa won’t get their supplies until after the first immunity challenge on day 3.  Once at the tribe camp, Mitch gets his tribe’s first confessional. He gets along well with everyone and pulls his weight around camp. One of his tribe mates, David, pulls him aside to look for the hidden immunity idol. He seems to be in everyone’s good graces, and his stutter is a non-issue. The story of day 1 on Civa is told through Mitch’s eyes.   Over on Vula, Sai is hitting the ground running. She is looking for advantages, and ultimately finds their hidden immunity idol on day 2. In Lagi, Eva opens up to Joe about being a person with autism. The two share a beautiful exchange that goes beyond the game, discussing how to be an ally for someone. The tribes compete in their first immunity challenge on day 3. Mitch performs excellent in the challenge, and Civa finishes second. Civa wins their camp supplies and immunity. Vula loses and votes out Stephanie for losing the challenge for them. Overall, Mitch had a good first episode. He seems to be well-liked by everyone in his tribe, did well in the challenges, is a hard worker around camp, and David seems to trust him. The only thing that concerns me is a scene in which his tribe mates Kamilla, Chrissy, David, and Kyle form a four-person alliance. On a tribe of six, this is not good for Mitch. However, it’s still early in the game. A lot can and will change from now until day 26. Survivor Season 48 Episode 2 Recap The episode opens with Vula back at camp and Mary asking why she was left out of the vote. She gets into it with Sai, and it’s clear these two do not like each other. Vula is simply a mess. On Civa, the members share their “humble traits.” When asked what his “humble trait” is, Mitch responds, “I just have a speech impediment.” This gets some chuckles out of his tribe and helps Mitch strengthen his rapport with the rest of the tribe. It’s important to note that Civa is laughing with  Mitch instead of at him. This scene normalizes stuttering and shows the others that Mitch doesn’t view it as a big deal, and they shouldn’t, either.  Over on Lagi, Star, feeling on the outs, starts looking for the hidden immunity idol. She finds the clues but can’t find the idol. She tells everyone in an attempt to bond with the tribe, but it backfires on her. Star is now the prime target on Lagi. A boat approaches each tribe’s beach and instructs the tribes to pick one person to go on a journey. A journey gives the chosen player an opportunity to win an advantage. Mitch is selected for Civa, Mary for Vula, and Thomas for Lagi to go on the journey. They encounter a puzzle and must solve it within the given amount of time. Mitch and Thomas are successful, while Mary is not. Mitch wins the opportunity to block someone’s vote at Tribal Council, while Thomas wins the opportunity to steal someone’s vote. Mary loses her vote at her next Tribal Council. Mitch tells his tribe he won and forms an alliance with Charity, who is on the outs. The rest of Civa look for the idol, and Kyle and Kamilla ultimately find it.  For me and the rest of the stuttering community, the episode's highlight occurred on day 5. Before explaining the immunity challenge, Probst asks Civa how the toolkit they won during the first challenge improved their camp life. Mitch answers Probst’s question and has quite a few stuttering moments during his response. Instead of moving on, Probst takes a moment to be an ally.  He asks Mitch, “When you’re struggling, do you want help from someone, or is part of it to let you finish when you’re ready to finish?”  To which Mitch beautifully responds, “The hope is that everyone would just kind of hang in there for me and just give [me] the opportunity to finish my sentence. I’m so thankful you asked that because, honestly, people just naturally want to help others and sometimes we don’t feel comfortable enough asking that, so thank you.”   Mitch’s answer is what every person who stutters wants: the space to openly and freely stutter during spontaneous communication. It’s such a powerful message for everyone. Moreover, I appreciate Probst’s response to Mitch’s stutter. He allowed Mitch to stutter freely, had no visible reaction, and then asked how he could best be an ally. To paraphrase Probst, “That’s how you do it in allyship.” In addition to Probst, the entire cast took in the moment. They nodded in support of what Mitch was saying and showed their support. They, like Probst, are willing to learn how to be a better advocate for PWS (people who stutter). As a longtime fan, what I love most about this moment is that it wasn't a forced or potentially scripted moment. Instead, it occurred naturally. It was just one person who doesn't stutter asking one person who does, how to be supportive. It just so happened that it occurred with cameras rolling and would later be broadcast on prime-time TV for millions to see. Moments like these are when the show is at its best: when two people from different walks of life meet and teach each other something. This episode gave us one of the most positive representations of stuttering allyship in the media for millions of people to learn from.  Moving on, the next challenge is a water obstacle course, and each tribe has to get five balls to reach their goal. Mitch is the hero for Civa and wins them immunity and fishing supplies. Cedrick loses the challenge for Vula, and they are headed to Tribal Council. On Vula beach, every person’s name is mentioned as a possible target. Sai plays her hidden immunity idol because of the chaos. But ultimately, Kevin goes home after Sai joins Justin and Cedrick to vote him out.  Overall, this was a great episode for Mitch: He had a few hero moments, strengthened his social bonds on Civa, and gracefully educated Jeff and at-home viewers how to be a strong ally for PWS. Going into next week, my only concern for Mitch is that he’s associated with Charity. It’s only day 5, and with 21 days to go, many things can change. Survivor Season 48 Episode 3 Recap The episode opens with Vula dealing with the fallout from Kevin going home. Sai no longer trusts Cedrek and Justin after they both told her to play her idol when she didn’t need to. We then join the Civa tribe on the morning of Day 6. The main four, David, Kyle, Kamilla, and Chrissy, are talking about weight loss and life back at home. David has been a big character in the past two episodes, but we go beneath the surface this week and get to know him better. He opens up about his living situation and how important winning the million-dollar prize is to him. Elsewhere, Lagi struggles with lacking food, living in the elements, and missing home. To bring up tribe morale, Joe builds a bonfire for the tribe to enjoy. While everyone is sitting around it, Eva gives Joe a bracelet for his daughter. This alarms Shauhin and Thomas, who realize Eva is too close to Joe and needs to go. Mary wakes up early on Day 7 to look for the hidden immunity idol. Since Sai played it at the last Tribal Council, it has been hidden again. Sai has the same idea, and, eventually ,  they both chase after the idol. Neither has any luck finding it and it stays hidden at Vula Beach. Over at Civa, Mitch believes the tribe is firing on all cylinders and ideally wants to go deep into the game with all of them. Charity and Mitch are each other’s  #1  allies. Mitch approaches Kyle about a four-person alliance of Kyle, himself, David, and Charity. This gives Kyle and David options since they’re also in an alliance with Chrissy and Kamilla. At Lagi, Star knows she’s on the outs and continues using her clues to try to find the tribe’s hidden immunity idol. Seeing this, Eva approaches Star about allying with her and Joe. Star is against this and tells Bianca and Thomas, her true allies, and a plan against Eva begins to take shape. The immunity challenge is a blindfolded obstacle course. One player directs three blindfolded players to collect three bags of keys. Once all the bags are collected, the tribe’s caller must direct one blindfolded player to complete a slide puzzle. Mitch has a solid performance and saves Civa from Tribal Council. Vula loses their third challenge in a row. Bianca, Justin, and Kamilla go on a journey in which they play a game of chance. If they win, they get an extra vote. If they lose, then they lose their vote at Tribal Council. Biana and Justin lose their votes, and Kamilla wins an extra vote. After Mary pretends to have an idol, three rounds of voting, and a historic Tribal Council, Cedrek casts the sole vote and votes out Justin. This episode is quiet for Mitch and sets the stage for what the rest of the season could look like. Everything could be upended when the tribes swap next week! Survivor Season 48 Episode 4 Recap We open the episode, “ The House Party’s Over ,” on Day 8: Cedrek and Sai attempt to rebuild trust after a historic Tribal Council just as Mary and Sai finally realize they should work together instead of against each other.  However, tribes are thrown a curveball when they arrive at their next challenge and Jeff says the game-changing words, “Everyone, drop your buffs. We’re switching tribes.” The new tribes are: Civa: Bianca, Cedrek, Chrissy, Mitch, Sai Lagi: Charity, David, Eva, Mary, Star Vula: Joe, Kamilla, Kyle, Shauhin, Thomas On Lagi, Eva immediately bonds with David. She then informs the rest of her tribe that she would gladly vote out Star if they went to Tribal Council.  At Vula, Kamilla and Kyle pretend not to be close to each other. Kamilla also uses information she learned from Star to throw Thomas under the bus.  On Civa, Chrissy realizes she needs to work with Mitch to make it through this phase of the game. Bianca approaches Sai about an alliance with them and Cedrek. Sai is unsure and tells Bianca to “vibe check” him first. Cedrek approaches Mitch about allying, but this conversation is so much more than that.  Cedrek tells Mitch about how he stuttered as a kid and how, at times, he still stutters. They then talk about their experiences in speech therapy and the sounds they have difficulty with. Mitch mentions that he has the most difficulty with “M” sounds (it's common for people who stutter to stutter when saying their name!). Mitch talks about growing up without any positive portrayals of stuttering. Ironically, Mitch’s appearance on the show is creating a meaningful and positive portrayal of stuttering that many people will treasure and appreciate!  Cedrek sees himself in Mitch and wants to work with him. At its core, this conversation is about two people bonding over a shared experience. But in tribes this small, any commonality you find with someone could lead to an alliance. Cedrek pitches to Mitch that he and Sai are loyal to each other. Humorously, it instantly cuts to Sai talking to Bianca and throwing him under the bus.  The immunity challenge is another obstacle course that ends with three tribe members building a 3D temple puzzle. Once again, Mitch shows his physical prowess and dominates his part of the challenge. Although Vula has all new members, the result is the same: They win a fourth straight date to Tribal Council.  Kyle and Kamilla keep pretending that they are at odds but ultimately plan how best to use Kyle’s idol and Kamilla’s extra vote to survive. After an emotional Tribal Council, Kyle uses his idol to send Thomas home for being a threat. Overall, this was another good episode for Mitch. Although potentially being in the minority on his new tribe, I think Mitch is in a good spot. He and Chrissy realized they’re better together than apart, made inroads with Cedrek, and was never once mentioned as a possible boot if Civa goes to Tribal Council. His challenge prowess has him in a good spot going into next week, but that could all change. What’s true on Day 9 might not be true on Day 10. Survivor Season 48 Episode 5 Recap Opening on  Episode 5 , “Master Class in Deception,” Vula returns from Tribal Council, where Shauhin and Joe try to figure out what happened with Thomas being voted out. They reach out to Kyle and Kamilla one-on-one in an attempt to rebuild trust between the four of them. For the first time this season, the tribes compete in a reward challenge. The first-place tribe will indulge in an afternoon of pastries and sandwiches at The Sanctuary, and the second-place tribe to win gets a smaller tray of the same food at camp. Lagi and Civa have to sit out one person: Charity and Sai, respectively. When Jeff asks why Sai is sitting out, she responds, “I’ve been in every single challenge; I would love to have a little break,” which garnered some looks from the other survivors.  Mitch performs well in the challenge, but unfortunately, Civa ends up in third place. Lagi wins a trip to The Sanctuary, with Vula coming in second. On Civa, Sai is getting on the tribe’s nerves with her comments and how she conducts herself around camp. On the beach, Chrissy and Mitch express their annoyance to each other about Sai. Mitch tells us that Thomas being voted out creates more options for his game. He then allies with Bianca. Sai wants an alliance with Bianca and Cedrek. What complicates this is Bianca doesn’t have a vote. Lagi is ecstatic when they arrive at The Sanctuary and see the various food items and drinks. Charity becomes emotional and expresses her love for the tribe, but Eva isn’t buying it. Over a smaller selection of pastries and sandwiches, the members of Vula bond over their life stories and agree to work together post-merge. The Day 11 immunity challenge is a water obstacle course ending with an on-land table maze. Each player on the tribe must complete the table maze. Finally, Vula wins immunity for the first time! Lagi comes in second, sending Civa to Tribal Council.  Eva, who is autistic, struggles with the table maze and experiences immense frustration. Her tribe, along with Joe, offers her words of encouragement. She eventually prevails, securing victory for Lagi. However, she becomes extremely overwhelmed, leading to what she calls “an episode.” She is unable to stop crying and begins screaming. Joe watches intently as her tribe attempts to reassure and soothe her unsuccessfully. As we recall, on Day 1, she confided in Joe and described how to help her out of an episode. Jeff asks Joe if he wants to go over and hug Eva, to which he quickly does. In an extremely touching moment, he embraces her and holds her hands, telling her to slow her breath and remember that she’s safe.  After Eva is calmed down, Jeff asks Joe why it was important for him to reveal part of his game and comfort somebody on another tribe.  “All my kids watching me, I’m going to be the man I want them to be and the people I want them to be, regardless of the game. That’s what you do and that’s who I am. So if it exposes it, it exposes it, but she was in need. I would want someone to treat my daughter that way in this game.” She then discloses her autism and shares a bit of her story, which makes some of the survivors (including Mitch) teary-eyed.  “I’ve never viewed my autism as a roadblock to success. It’s not something to work around. It’s just part of who I am. There’s nothing bad about it.”  (Can we relate any more?) “Eva,” Jeff says. “It takes so much courage to play Survivor for anybody. But for you to come out here knowing something like this might happen and then be brave enough to share your story, because there is a young girl or boy just like you, watching right now going, ‘Hey Mom, hey Dad…’”  Jeff also begins to cry and says this has never happened before on Survivor. He quickly wraps things up and sends the tribes out.  Back at Lagi, Star tells the tribe she has the clue to the hidden immunity idol. The tribe works together to solve the clues and get Star her idol. Star gives the idol to Eva since she figured out the clues. At Civa, Bianca tells Cedrek she wants to work with him and Sai to eliminate Chrissy. She then tells Mitch and Chrissy she wants to work with them against Sai. Chrissy and Mitch approach Cedrek about voting out Sai. Chrissy tells this to Bianca, who then tells Cedrek. Through it all, Mitch’s name is never said. Everyone likes and trusts him, and he is great at challenges. To build trust, Bianca tells Cedrek she has no vote, and the plan is to vote out Sai. Cedrek must decide whether to stick to the plan or use the information to create a new one. Cedrek chooses the latter. He joins Chrissy to blindside Bianca, Mitch, and Sai and votes out Bianca in a 2-1-1 vote. The individual portion of the game starts next week! What made Mitch great in the tribe portion of the game makes him a threat in the individual portion of the game. Survivor Season 48 Episode 6 Recap Episode 6, “Doing the Damn Thing,” starts with Civa coming back from Tribal Council, with Cedrek wanting to explain everything. Sai isn’t having it and only wants to talk to Chrissy and Mitch. Cedrek reveals to Mitch, Sai, and the audience that he told Chrissy to vote for Bianca right before Tribal Council. Mitch owns up to voting for Sai and tells the viewers at home that being left out of this vote “is a nightmare and makes me look like a fool.” On Day 12, Civa and Vula get a message telling them to drop their buffs, pack their bags, and move to Lagi beach. The tribe portion is over, but the individual portion, the merge, hasn’t officially started. The group finds a note alerting them to a new advantage hidden at cap. A mad dash breaks out, and Sai ends up winning it. Everyone then reconnects with people from their starting tribes. Eva discloses to Joe that Star gave her the Lagi tribe idol. We then see the formation of an alliance between Joe, David, Kyle, Eva, and Shauhin. On the other side of the beach, Mitch tells us he wants to work with the original Civa and go far with them. Charity tells Mitch, Chrissy, and Kamilla about Eva’s idol. Charity tells Star she should have Eva give back the idol. This doesn’t earn Charity favor as Star immediately tells Joe and Eva about this idea. On Day 13, the players compete in the most important challenge so far. Teams of 6 will compete in an obstacle course, get a key, climb up a wall, and use the key to unlock puzzle pieces and solve the puzzle. The winning team earns the merge meal and competes in an individual challenge where the winner gets immunity and officially makes the merge. Sai’s advantage earns her the meal and a spot in the individual challenge. The orange team is Mitch, Cedrek, Eva, Joe, Shauhin, and Charity. The purple team is Kyle, Kamilla, Star, Chrissy, Mary, and David. Despite a valiant effort by Mitch and the rest of the orange team, the purple team wins. To win individual immunity and a merge buff, each member of the purple team and Sai must balance a ball on a pole. At certain intervals, they will add pieces to the pole, making it more challenging to balance the ball. It comes down to Kyle and Star, with Kyle pulling out the W. Back at camp, Sai and Charity are the two main names being discussed. Both are on the bottom of their original tribes and are “easy” votes. Plus, eliminating Charity would prevent the original Civa tribe from having 6 of the 12 tribe members left. Tribal Council consists of metaphors about what it’s like with all 13 people living on one beach. The Survivors vote, and Charity goes home in a 7-5-1 vote.  Overall, this wasn’t the best episode for Mitch. He did great in the challenge but was left out of the vote and lost his  #1  ally. Yet, Charity going could be a blessing in disguise. We’ll see what happens next week. Survivor Season 48 Episode 7 Recap “Survivor Smack Talk” opens with the tribe returning from Tribal Council. Mitch talks about how it hurts to be left out of another vote. Kyle and Kamilla approach Mitch to do damage control since they both left him out of the vote against Charity. Not sure where he stands, Mitch approaches Sai to do damage control with her since he voted for her instead of Charity.   The morning of Day 14 opens with Mitch telling us how emotionally difficult this game is for him. Shauhin tells Mitch he was told by others to leave Mitch out of the Charity vote. Mitch understands why people didn’t tell him and wants to strengthen his relationship with other tribe members. He opens up to Joe and Shauhin about his previous jobs to build trust. Joe is onto Mitch as a threat to win because of his social game, story, and how great he is at challenges. Sai and Cedrek individually approach Shauhin to build trust. Mitch, Sai, and Cedrek are clearly at the bottom of the merge tribe and are trying to do anything to stay in the game. The tribe arrives at the immunity challenge and is greeted with a twist. They are divided into 2 groups of 6, each going to Tribal Council. The players must hold up a bucket filled with 25% of their pregame body weight for as long as possible. The person who lasts the longest in each group wins immunity. The person who lasts the longest overall wins a DIY PB&J bar for their group, but more importantly, goes to Tribal Council second. This matters because the person voted out of the losing group is pre-jury, while the person voted out at the second Tribal Council becomes the first member of the jury. The orange group consists of Star, Chrissy, Eva, Joe, Mitch, and Sai. The purple group consists of Cedrek, Kamilla, Kyle, David, Mary, and Shauhin. For the orange group, it comes down to Joe and Eva, with Joe winning. Over on purple, it comes down to Kyle and David with Kyle giving David the necklace. After almost an hour (a challenge record), Joe drops out of the challenge and gives David the overall victory.  The winning group returns to their camp and bonds over PB&J. In confessionals, Kyle and Shauhin tell us the plan is Cedrek. However, Kyle is concerned about his Shauhin’s threat level and is considering voting him out. The orange group returns to the old Civa camp. Eva, Joe, and Sai throw out Mitch’s name because he’s good at challenges and a great social player. Eva then approaches Mitch and Chrissy about voting out Sai.  Back at the purple group, Shauhin worries that people will start coming for him soon. Kyle approaches Cedrek and Kamilla about voting out Shauhin. To get David to consider voting for Shauhin, Kyle and Kamilla tell him that Shauhin has an idol. David is considering this but wants to stick with “The Strong 5,” which consists of David, Shauhin, Kyle, Joe, and Eva.  Back at old Civa beach, the elements are taking a toll on Mitch. Chrissy approaches Star and then Sai about voting out Mitch, then approaches Joe and Eva about the same plan. To prevent Sai from voting and playing her shot in the dark, Mitch thinks about playing his block a vote against Sai. Orange goes to tribal first and discusses the importance of trust and whether the smartest vote is the best move. They go to vote; Mitch plays his block a vote against Sai, and after a unanimous vote, Sai is no more! Purple goes to tribal second and discusses the importance of how and when you put someone on the jury. They go to vote and Cedrek becomes the first juror.  The players are starting to see how significant a threat Mitch is. Will he be able to escape it?   Survivor Season 48 Episode 8 Recap “A Rift Between All of Us” opens with Chrissy doing damage control for her commentary during Tribal Council, where she stated several times that she wanted to break up the stronger players’ alliance. She tells the tribe that it was just “smack talk,” but she tells the audience this is her actual plan.  Mitch realizes he needs to start taking control of the game. After surviving the vote, Shauhin feels more confident in his alliance with David, Kyle, and Kamilla. Eva tells her allies that Chrissy is out for Shauhin. Mitch approaches OG Civa about reuniting the tribe. David is against it, Kamilla is for it, and Kyle remains uncertain. On Day 15, the tribe receives tree mail telling them to pair up for the immunity challenge. The pairs are:  Shauhin and Kamilla David and Mary Kyle and Chrissy Joe and Eva Mitch and Star   There are three stages to this challenge:  First stage: The teams must work together to retrieve buried puzzle steps and plant a flag. The two pairs that finish last are out and will embark on a journey where their votes will be at stake.  Second stage: Teams use a number of puzzle steps to build a staircase. Once at the top, they cross a rope bridge using planks. The first two pairs to finish proceed forward. Third stage: The pairs are split up and compete individually to hold onto a pole for as long as possible. The player last standing wins immunity and is guaranteed a spot in the final nine.  But not all is lost; the final four will return to camp and enjoy an afternoon of tacos and chocolate cupcakes.  Despite Mitch performing well in the challenge and initially having a head start on the other teams, his team is eliminated in the very first round and Eva ends up winning the entire challenge. The bottom four, Mitch, Star, Shauhin, and Kamilla, compete to keep their votes at Tribal Council, and Star ultimately loses hers.  At camp, Kyle and Chrissy agree that Shauhin, Joe, and Eva need to be broken up ASAP. Kyle is willing to take the shot, but is unsure if this is the best time since Mitch and Kamilla might lose their vote. Eva finds a scroll revealing a clue to a secret advantage in a chip bowl and keeps this to herself. David tells the group that he’s worried about Shauhin and wants him out soon. Instead of Shauhin, he wants to go for Kamilla to weaken Shauhin. Mary supports this idea, but Joe is unsure. Eva reads her clue and must sneak to the far end of the beach to claim her advantage tomorrow night. Meanwhile, Kyle checks in with Joe to confirm that Chrissy is the target, but Joe warns him that David wants Kamilla out instead. Kyle is against this and tells Joe that Chrissy has been mentioning his name. Kyle tips off Kamilla, pushes hard to flip the vote back to Chrissy, and scrambles to save his closest ally, but the majority leans toward taking out Kamilla. At Tribal Council, Cedrek watches the discussion between the players and Jeff as a jury member. Chrissy’s torch ends up being snuffed in an 8-1 vote.  This episode was a quiet one for Mitch. He managed to escape Tribal Council, but seems to be at the bottom with very few allies left. Will he be able to turn his game around?  Survivor Season 48 Episode 9 Recap "Welcome to The Party" begins with Shauhin telling the group that he understands why Chrissy voted for him and is thankful no one else did. David tells us he’s starting to notice that Kyle and Kamilla are closer than they appear.  The morning of Day 16 starts with the Core 6 on the beach discussing the order of the next three votes. They agree that as long as the Core 6 stay together, they can vote out the other three in any order they choose. Day 16 is also an off day for the players; there are no challenges, journeys, or tribal councils to attend. Instead, they spend the day painting the tribe flag, strengthening relationships and/or letting paranoia set in. And paranoia got the best of the Core 6. Kyle tells Shauhin that David and Mary are coming for him and want Kamilla out to weaken Shauhin. David and Mary tell Eva that Shauhin and Kyle have something going on. David attacks Joe for going back on his word during the Chrissy vote, a claim that Joe strongly denies and Joe loses trust for him . The Core 6 spend the entire day fighting with each other and destroying the trust they had built. Meanwhile, Mitch tries to build a relationship with Star and gives her some swim lessons.   On Night 16, Eva sneaks out of camp and uses her clue found in her chip bowl from the last episode to earn an extra vote, then risks it for a stronger advantage: Safety Without Power (SWP), which lasts until the final seven. She has the option to risk her SWP for a shot at a hidden idol, but chooses to keep it instead. On Day 17, Eva tells Joe, Shauhin, and Kyle that she won SWP. Kyle tells Kamilla that the Core 6 want her out. They decide that David must go. He then tells Joe that David and Mary are together and Joe agrees that they need to be broken up and David is the primary target.  At the immunity challenge, players must balance a ball in a chute for as long as possible. The last one standing wins immunity, as well as ham and cheese wraps, chips and dips, and soda. The challenge comes down to Joe, Kyle, and David with Joe winning. Joe picks Mitch, Eva, and Shauhin to share the reward. At the reward, Mitch throws out David’s name, which is music to everyone’s ears.  Tensions rise at camp as David, Mary and Star target Mitch, but Eva and Joe make their own move and set their sights on David instead. At Tribal Council, there is more talk about jury management and the importance of making a move before it's too late. Mitch received three votes, but David got the other six and was brutally blindsided. What a close call for Mitch!  He lucked out by benefiting from the Core 6 turning on each other. However, getting a third of the votes at Tribal Council puts him more in the spotlight. Will he escape it? Tune in next week!  Survivor Season 48 Episode 10 Recap “My Enemies Are Plottin’” opens with the tribe coming back from Tribal Council and Mary realizing she’s firmly at the bottom of the totem pole. Kamilla has a similar revelation. Instead of being on  the bottom, she realizes she’s at  the bottom of the majority alliance. She pitches a plan to Star, Mitch, and Mary that the best move is to force a tie against Joe at the next tribal council. The next morning, Mitch shares a funny story from his time as a mailman. He has the tribe in stitches and he rest of the tribe takes notice at how well he's playing the social game. Mitch says  that laughing is one of the things that helps him with stuttering; “ You gotta be able to laugh at yourself every now and then.” (Oh Mitch, you’re so right!) .  Through this interaction, Shauhin realizes that Mitch and Kamilla are free agents and wants to keep them on his side, so they don’t realize they’re on the bottom of the majority. Star approaches Mitch about joining her side and voting out Joe. Mitch tells us in confessionals he's against it because Star just voted for him, she has no power in the game, and he doesn’t trust her. Mary later pitches the same plan to Mitch and gets the same results.  Kamilla tells Kyle the rest are against Joe and asks if he'd flip to take out Joe. Kyle is for it, but doesn't want the blood on his hands. He tells us the theme of the season is "emotional connections," a game built on being honest with each other. If he goes against that, then he’s worried he would throw away his chance of winning. At the reward challenge, players slither through sand with limbs strapped, land three rings, and the winner scores chicken and waffles on a new island. Kyle ends up slithering his way to victory. Kyle picks Eva, Shauhin, and Kamilla for the reward, intentionally leaving Mary, Star, and Mitch behind to stir chaos and push them toward targeting Joe. On Day 19, the players take on their next immunity challenge: balancing a wobbly table with a rope while spelling “immunity.” Probst offers rice for the rest of the game if three people sit out, but no one takes the deal. In a tight showdown between Joe, Shauhin, and Kyle, Joe pulls off the win, leaving the tribe with only a few hours to scramble for a new plan. With the tribe scrambling, Mitch tells Star to play her Shot in the Dark after she suggests targeting Shauhin. Though Mitch wants to make a move to improve his position, he hesitates because he doesn’t trust Mary or Star. Meanwhile, Mary pitches Kyle’s name to Kamilla, who quickly shares it with Mitch and Joe. Realizing Kamilla and Mitch aren’t with her, Mary scrambles to stay, urging Shauhin to keep her over Star. Tribal Council discussions center around two things: How do you, as an individual, move forward in the game? And do you move forward based on trust or paranoia? Ultimately, Star’s light faded as she was voted out 5-3.  Mitch had a decent episode this week. However, being at the bottom of the majority with only seven people left isn’t an ideal spot. Will he be able to flip the game to his side? Find out next week. Survivor Season 48 Episode 11 Recap Episode 11, “Coconut Etiquette,” opens with the players congratulating each other on making the final 7 and only being 6 days shy of the end. Knowing she’s next, Mary pitches to Kamilla to keep her and use her as a vote to eliminate Joe and Eva. Mitch tells us that now’s the time to get out Joe, otherwise Joe wins the game. The next morning, Joe, Shauhin, and Kyle reiterate to each other that they, plus Eva, are the final 4. However, Shauhin’s facial expressions say otherwise. Mary continues to try to save her game by pitching Kyle and Shauhin her plan to use her as a vote to knock out Joe and Eva. To relieve stress (and be spiteful), Mary chopped up the last coconut to eat it without consulting the others. This goes against proper coconut etiquette and harms her game. Later, Kyle and Kamilla trade notes and share Mary’s plan to vote out Joe. In a confessional, Kyle shares with us how emotionally difficult this game is. He knows he must take out Joe and Eva to win, yet he has such strong emotional ties with them that it would hurt to vote them out. A boat appears and tells the group that one person must get on the boat and go on a journey. The person with the odd color rock must get on the boat. Eva picks the odd rock and jumps on the boat. On the journey, she must compete in an individual challenge. If she completes the challenge in the given time frame, she keeps her vote and a chance for an advantage in the game. If she fails, she loses her vote. She completes the first part, keeps her vote, and decides not to go for the advantage. For the final 7 immunity challenge, the contestants must use a “Survivor wheelbarrow” to navigate and balance two clay vases through an obstacle course. At the end of the course, they must complete an arch word puzzle. After an unforgettable challenge ending and Joe not having an eye for detail, Kamilla wins the necklace and is guaranteed a spot in the final 6. She also wins an Asian feast reward that she shares with Mitch and Eva. In a confessional, Kamilla shares with us that she chose Eva to keep Eva and Joe comfortable. During the reward, Kamilla plays up that Mary is going home tonight. At camp, the three guys avoid Mary like the plague and refuse to talk to her. Upon her return from the reward, Kamilla asks Kyle if tonight is the night they flip this game on its head and take out Joe. Mary makes her vote public, telling the others she’s voting for Joe. Joe spirals and wants to put a vote on someone else in case Mary has an idol. This scares Shahuin and makes him consider whether tonight’s the night to vote out Joe. Kyle also has the same thoughts, but doesn’t know if he can pull the trigger. At Tribal Council, the group talks about what sacrifices they made to play the game and their reasons for playing. The conversation then shifts to when’s the right time to make a move. Tonight wasn’t the time, as Mary was voted out in a 6-1 vote. Heading into the final 6 and 5 days left, Mitch has little time left to better his spot in the game. Will he be able to figure a way out?  Survivor Season 48 Episode 12 Recap “Icarus Time” starts off with the tribe celebrating making the Final 6 and Mitch telling us that now is the time to make a move. The morning of Day 22 opens with “The Four” (Kyle, Shauhin, Joe, and Eva) sitting beachside, agreeing that Mitch is the target. But not everyone agrees with that. Shauhin and Mitch talk about how now that they’ve reached the goal of making the Final 6, it’s time to go after Joe. Kyle and Kamilla have a similar conversation. The other Survivors realize that if Joe makes it to the end, he will win the game. At the reward challenge, the players must hold on to handrails as they are suspended on a board over water. The winner wins a sleepover at The Sanctuary, where they will enjoy burgers, beers, cheesecake, and letters from home. It comes down to Shauhin vs Kyle, with Shauhin winning an overnight trip to The Sanctuary. He picks Joe and Kyle to join him on the reward. The three share parts of themselves with each other and with us. Joe opens up about losing his sister to domestic violence. Kyle shares with the audience his relationship with his father and how he’s his best friend. Shauhin shares with us how close he is to his mom. Back at camp, Mitch expresses his frustration with Shauhin’s decision to take Joe and how he’s playing “with a bunch of knuckleheads.” Over at The Sanctuary, Shauhin and Joe discuss taking out Kyle. However, they both agree it’s not the best move. During one-on-one time with Kyle, Shauhin says it’s time to make a move. And Kyle agrees. But he wants to go for Shauhin instead of Joe or Eva. Coming back from reward, Kyle tells Kamilla that Shauhin is ready to flip. He wants to relay this to Joe to get Joe and Eva to join Kyle and Kamilla in voting out Shauhin. The plan involves telling Joe that Shauhin showed Kamilla an idol that he doesn’t have. Kyle hopes this lie will cause Joe and Eva to flip on Shauhin. In a moving scene, Joe goes to the beach to try to get closure from his sister’s death. The night before she died, they got into an argument and never had a chance to apologize or tell each other, “I love you”. He apologized for what he said and for being unable to protect her. He tells us that he’s out here for her. The Final 6 immunity challenge is another obstacle course. The players must traverse the course on a barrel, crawl through a net maze, and complete a puzzle. Joe wins his fourth immunity challenge and is one win away from tying the record of most immunity challenges won in a season. Back at camp, Kyle sets his plan in motion. Joe shares the information with Eva and then fact-checks it with Kamilla. Kamilla says the lie is true and Joe becomes paranoid. Joe approaches Shauhin to see if what Kyle and Kamilla told him is true. Shauhin tells the truth and tells him that the plan is still Mitch. Joe doesn’t believe it and Shauhin doesn’t appreciate how Joe talked to him. Joe must now separate fact from fiction and figure out who’s telling him the truth and who isn’t. At Tribal Council, the conversation centers around how paranoia impacts one’s game. Ultimately, Joe trusted Kyle and Kamilla’s lies and Shauhin was sent home in a 4-2 vote. Mitch was on the right side of the vote, but this was ultimately Kyle’s move. This could be the move that Kyle needed to separate himself from the pack and win this game. However, will that move be enough to dethrone Joe as our front runner? Is there a way Mitch can get to the end and win? If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic violence, help is available. Call 1-800-799-SAFE or text START to 88788.  Survivor Season 48 Finale Recap “Only One of Yous Can Win” opens with Jeff Probst at Tribal Council recapping the season of how each player made the Final 5. At camp, Kyle tells us that tribal couldn’t have gone better for him. Joe and Eva voted out their number three and he now has more options to reach the end. Kamilla shares with us that she deserves an Emmy for all the lying to people’s faces she’s done over the last few days. Day 24 opens with the Final 5 sitting on the beach together, watching the sunrise. They head to tree mail and find out that an advantage for the next immunity challenge is hidden at camp. The players must look for animal symbols hidden around camp. Each symbol has a certain number of dots ,  corresponding to a letter in the alphabet. The first person to solve the puzzle wins the advantage. Eva wins and secures an advantage in the immunity challenge. At the Final 5 immunity challenge, players race through a net wall and mud crawl, then toss a ball into a target and guide it through a chute. After shooting the ball into a net to reveal three numbers, they use the combination to unlock a key, retrieve puzzle pieces, and complete a fire puzzle to win. Eva’s advantage allows her to skip the ball toss and get her numbers. Joe and Mitch lead most of the challenge, but Kamilla makes a stunning comeback from last place to win immunity and secures her spot in the Final 4. She also earns a trip to The Sanctuary and chooses Eva to join her for a pasta and chocolate cake reward. Mitch approaches Kyle about joining forces with Kamilla to take out Joe. In Mitch’s mind, OG Civa has the numbers and can finally take him out. Kyle says yes, but tells the audience he actually wants to take out Mitch. Kamilla and Kyle agree that Mitch is the person to send home tonight. They want Mitch to be the jury so he can be a vote for them. Kamilla tells Mitch it’s him tonight because he’s too likable. In separate conversations, Kyle and Eva confirm this to him. Mitch says in his conversation with Kyle, “I should’ve made a move.” Mitch takes this well and tells the audience, “One of my biggest fears coming out here is that my stutter would hurt me, that it would be challenging to build relationships.” His fears weren’t realized. He went home because he was too much of a social threat. At Tribal Council, the group confirms that Mitch is the vote. Joe tells us that they told him out of respect, to which Mitch responds, “It’s heartbreaking. I thought I was in a good place with people I trusted. When two people who you played with the entire time tell you they can’t take you any further, it sucks. But I did it. They need to do what they do for their game. I don’t have any regrets. And that’s enough.” Mitch goes out with his head held high in a 4-1 vote. The Final 4 immunity challenge is a Survivor classic: Simmotion . Eva drops first, then it comes down to Joe versus Kyle, and Kyle wins. Kyle tells Joe that he’s bringing him to the final Tribal Council. The next challenge has Eva and Kamilla competing in a fire-making showdown. Eva wins, taking the last seat at the final Tribal Council, making Kamilla the final jury member. O the last day, the Final 3 enjoy their celebratory breakfast. At the final Tribal Council, Kyle, Eva, and Joe must pitch to the jury why they should be declared the winner. Joe emphasizes his strong physical game and winning four individual immunity challenges, Eva focuses on her relationship with Joe, and Kyle’s pitch focuses on his secret relationship with Kamilla and how they controlled the game. Impressed by Kyle’s confession, the jury awards Kyle the million-dollar prize in a 5-2-1 vote. Some personal thoughts on this season: I’ve been watching Survivor since 2005, and never once did I think a person who stutters would be on the show. To see someone who sounds like me on my favorite show make a deep run is more than I could have imagined. From 12-year-old me and 32-year-old me, thank you, Mitch, for being such a positive representation of stuttering. You’ve certainly left a mark on the entire stuttering community. Can’t wait to meet you in Denver!

For families of children who stutter, having support can be a game-changer. The National Stuttering Association (NSA) provides a vibrant community, life-changing programs, and a deep well of encouragement for those who stutter. Whether you’re a parent, guardian, sibling, or another important figure in a child’s life, the NSA stands ready to help you foster confidence, connection, and understanding in your child who stutters.  Why a Supportive Home Environment Matters Support at home is critical. A nurturing environment can have a profound effect on a child’s communication skills and self-esteem. Families armed with the right tools and a supportive network are better equipped to encourage self-expression without fear or pressure. They learn to respond thoughtfully to moments of stuttering and help their child embrace self-acceptance, because fluent speech isn’t the only way to have a strong voice in the world. Tackling Anxiety and Misconceptions Head-On Parenting a child who stutters often comes with a suitcase of questions and concerns. The NSA steps in to separate the myths from the facts, helping families understand that stuttering is a natural way of communicating, not something that needs to be fixed. With this knowledge, families can move past anxiety and create a path forward grounded in confidence and resilience. The Power of Community: Connecting with Other Families The journey is easier (and a lot less lonely) when families connect with others walking a similar path. Through the NSA, families can share stories, lean on experienced mentors, and build lasting friendships.  Programs That Make a Difference The NSA offers several ways for families to dive into community and support. NSA Chapters, available both in-person and virtually, are welcoming spaces where those who stutter and their families can share experiences and find encouragement. These groups are led by trained Chapter Leaders who truly get it. Parents can also gain practical tips for supporting their children at school, in social situations, and at home. The Annual NSA Conference: A Life-Changing Experience The Annual NSA Conference is another life-changing experience. Families gather for several days of workshops, social events, and heartfelt moments that linger long after the conference ends. Parents and caregivers gain insights from fellow parents and caregivers, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and adults who stutter. At the same time, kids and teens are part of their own programming that is both fun and empowering, tailored to their age group. Even siblings and extended family members have sessions to help them understand and support the stuttering journey. Local Events: Big Impact, Close to Home Local one-day NSA events are another great way to dip your toes into the community pool. These events, hosted across the country, offer kids, teens, and their families a chance to engage with others who share similar experiences without having to book a week off work.  Virtual Support for Parents & Caregivers For families who prefer to gather in the comfort of their living room, the NSA’s Parents & Caregivers Virtual Chapter meets monthly online. Co-led by a parent of a person who stutters and an SLP, this group provides a safe and welcoming space for individuals to share their experiences of caring for someone who stutters, seek advice, and connect with others on a similar journey. Additionally, the NSA Connects webinar series offers free expert sessions on school accommodations, IEPs, and building resilience, providing a valuable resource for parents of children who stutter. Check out the NSA Parents and Caregivers Virtual Chapter Refer to the NSA events listing for more virtual options with our NSA Connects sessions, as well as in-person events near you. School Advocacy: Helping Families and Children Speak Up When it comes to navigating school life, the NSA has the backs of parents and guardians. With educational resources and advocacy guides, families learn how to collaborate with teachers and administrators to create inclusive environments and secure the right support plans. Advocacy is about helping children find their voice, one that’s heard, respected, and celebrated. Frequently Asked Questions About NSA’s Family Programs Q: How can I find an NSA Family Chapter near me? A: Use the NSA Chapter Locator  and filter for Family Chapters to find a local or virtual group that fits your schedule and needs. Q: Are NSA programs only for children who stutter, or can the whole family participate? A: NSA programs are designed for the whole family. Parents, siblings, and caregivers are encouraged to participate in support groups, conferences, and events. Q: How much do NSA programs cost? A: Many NSA programs, including support groups and NSA Connects webinars, are free. The annual conference and specialized events may have registration fees, but financial assistance is available. Q: Can my child attend an NSA support group even if they are shy? A: Absolutely! NSA groups create a safe and encouraging environment. Participation is always voluntary, and children can take their time getting comfortable before speaking. Q: How can I help my child advocate for themselves at school? A: NSA provides educational materials and advocacy guidance to help children develop self-advocacy skills. Parents can also work with school staff to implement accommodations that support their child’s communication needs. How to Get Involved with the NSA 1. Join an NSA Family Chapter Find a local or virtual chapter through the NSA Chapter Locator   and filter for Family Chapters. 2. Attend an NSA Event Whether it’s an annual conference, 1-Day Conference, or local meetup, attending events is a great way to connect with other families. Read about our events on the NSA website! 3. Access NSA’s Online Resources Visit   WeStutter.org  for webinars, advocacy tools, and educational materials designed to support families and individuals affected by stuttering. 4. Spread Awareness Help reduce stigma and increase understanding by sharing NSA’s mission and resources within your community and schools. Building a Future Where Every Voice Matters The journey of raising a child who stutters can be rich with growth, joy, and connection. The NSA stands ready to walk with families every step of the way, offering the tools, community, and hope needed to ensure that every child who stutters knows their voice is valuable. If you’re looking for guidance, community, or a place where you and your child are already enough just as you are, the NSA is waiting with open arms. Join a Family Chapter, hop on a Virtual Chapter call, attend a webinar, or explore the resources at WeStutter.org .

Each PSA in this year’s National Stuttering Acceptance Week series highlights a different side of what it means to stutter — in school, at work, in family life, and beyond. These are real voices, real stories, and real strength. Dear Younger Me... Patrick Harvey Derek Sutor Gabriella Carr Jeremiah Williams Wendy Aguilar Rosemary Ravinal Ignacio Dela Cruz David Alpuche I stutter, and I’m proud because… Angela Grimm Rosa Martinez Being unapologetically me means… Ariel Sonn Anabel Augustin Matt Reis Let me finish because… Elise Jackson Aryanna Tillman Submit Your Video for National Stuttering Awareness Week 2025

Next week is National Stuttering Awareness Week (NSAW), and we couldn’t be more excited to spotlight our community's powerful voices, stories, and faces! As we sat down to plan this year’s campaign, we took a moment to reflect on what we truly want to achieve. Our mission is not only to increase awareness around stuttering; we are also deeply passionate about challenging the negative stereotypes, advocating for social change, and creating a world where stuttering is both understood and  accepted. That’s why this year, we’re embracing a shift.  While the week is officially recognized as National Stuttering Awareness Week , we’re choosing to call it National Stuttering Acceptance Week .  But why? We’re so glad you asked. But first, a little background.  The History of National Stuttering Awareness Week This week's roots go back to 1986, when we were still known as the National Stuttering Project (NSP). That’s when the vision for a national week dedicated to raising awareness about stuttering began to take shape. Thanks to the relentless determination and advocacy of Paul Castellano, who testified before several U.S. Congressional subcommittees, Barbara Koval, and many other passionate NSP members who rallied their representatives, then-President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation in April 1988 officially designating the second week of May as National Stuttering Awareness Week. (Source: Minnesota State University, Mankato ) But the party didn’t stop in 1988! Each year, the second week of May has remained a dedicated time to raise awareness and celebrate stuttering as a valid way of communicating. In 2025, we’re proud to mark the 37th annual National Stuttering Awareness Week! We are grateful to the NSP members whose tireless advocacy brought National Stuttering Awareness Week to life. Their commitment in the early days paved the way for a week that has since raised national awareness, fought against stigma, and commemorated people who stutter in countless ways for decades. Without their vision and hard work, National Stuttering Awareness Week would not be what it is today. We honor the history that shaped it and are excited to witness its continued growth. Looking Toward the Future We remain committed to carrying forward the legacy the NSP members began, continuing to advocate for the stuttering community for generations to come. While the official designation remains “Awareness Week,” we’re intentionally shifting the language this year because we believe it’s time to move the needle forward. We aim to move beyond awareness and engage in deeper conversations that nurture understanding, respect, and acceptance of stuttering. We’re using awareness to drive acceptance. You’re probably wondering where  this shift in language came from.  Again, we’re glad you asked!  We’ve drawn inspiration from the Autism Society of America, which transitioned from “Awareness” to “Acceptance” in 2020. Their reasoning deeply resonated with us, and we’re proud to follow their lead. If you want to learn more, we strongly encourage you to read their article at autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-acceptance-vs-autism-awareness . In the meantime, please check out our campaign at WeStutter.org/NSAW to hear stories from people who stutter, learn how you can participate, and so much more. Whether you want to call it National Stuttering Awareness Week or National Stuttering Acceptance Week, we urge you to join us in celebrating this meaningful week together as we continue pushing for a future where people who stutter are seen, heard, and fully accepted.  And if you haven't already, please submit a video or picture to the NSA’s Wall of Pride that reflects your experience, support, or message about stuttering!

By Codi Lamb College was supposed to be a time for connection and self-discovery, but for me, it was isolating. As a covert stutterer, I worked hard to mask my stutter, unsure how to disclose it or talk about it openly. I didn’t know communities like the NSA existed, and I felt alone and unseen for a long time. I longed to meet other young Black women and men who stuttered, people who understood what I was going through and shared similar experiences. I remember admiring a fellow student in the National Council of Negro Women at my university. She stuttered, and she was only the second Black woman I had ever met who did. But our schedules never quite aligned, and we didn’t get the chance to connect deeply. It wasn’t until my final semester in summer 2021 that everything changed. I was just a few months away from graduating from the University of South Florida (USF) when I started researching and came across the NSA. To my surprise, there was an NSA Chapter right on my campus. Even though I’d soon be heading back home to Jacksonville, I decided to attend a meeting with the USF Tampa Adult Chapter. That decision changed my life. I walked into that meeting and quickly realized I was the only woman and the only Black person in the room. But then Dr. Nathan Maxfield, one of the Chapter co-hosts and a speech-language pathologist at USF, asked us to share what we hoped to gain from the group. I said, “I would love to meet other Black women and men who like to look good, have fun, network—and stutter.” Dr. Maxfield followed up with an email encouraging me to create the first-ever support group specifically for women of color who stutter. He even connected me with some of his clients who fit the profile. And just like that, the vision started coming to life. When I facilitated our very first meeting for Melanin Stutter Queens  in September 2021, I was terrified. But deep inside, there was a spark, a sense of peace, purpose, and empowerment that I’d never felt before. That first gathering was small, but our group has grown to include around 75 members worldwide. It hasn’t been easy. I’m still navigating my own journey as a person who stutters. I still have moments of doubt, fear, and frustration. But what keeps me grounded is the power of community, the support we give each other, the strength we share, and the way we show up for one another even on hard days. Leading this group has taught me that it’s not just about me. It’s about every young girl or woman who feels lost or invisible because of her stutter. It’s about representation, connection, and reminding others that stuttering isn’t a flaw. This space is for them, for us, and for every person who stutters and is looking for somewhere to belong.

La tartamudez es una diferencia en el patrón del habla que   implica   interrupciones o disfluencias en el habla de una persona. Las personas que tartamudean pueden hablar con repeticiones (p-p-perro), prolongaciones (llllllleche) o bloqueos (ausencia de sonido), o pueden experimentar alguna combinación de estos sonidos. La gravedad de la tartamudez varía mucho de una persona a otra. Alrededor del 1% de la población adulta tartamudea, lo que equivale a casi tres millones de personas que tartamudean en Estados Unidos. La tartamudez es tres o cuatro veces más frecuente en hombres que en mujeres. En los últimos años, el objetivo de la logoterapia   para el SPW ha cambiado de la fluidez a la desestigmatización, la aceptación y el apoyo. La tartamudez es una diferencia en el patrón del habla que implica un patrón diferente del habla a causa de interrupciones o disfluencias . Se usa la palabra tartamudez  para referirse a las disfluencias específicas del habla que producen las personas que tartamudean y la condición más general que experimentan las personas que tartamudean. Además de producir disfluencias, las personas que tartamudean a menudo experimentan tensión física en los músculos del habla y vergüenza, ansiedad y miedo al hablar. En conjunto, estas características pueden hacer que a las personas que tartamudean tienen dificultad de hablar, lo que puede obstaculizar su capacidad para comunicarse eficazmente con los demás. Hay tantos patrones diferentes de tartamudez como personas que tartamudean, y muchos grados diferentes de tartamudez. ¿Qué causa la tartamudez?  Aún se desconocen las causas exactas de la tartamudez, la mayoría de los pesquisadores piensan que la tartamudez involucra diferencias en la actividad cerebral que interfieren en la producción del habla. En algunas personas, la tendencia a tartamudear puede ser hereditaria. Aunque la interferencia en el habla a veces se puede ser amplificada por factores emocionales o situacionales, la tartamudez es neurológica y fisiológica, no psicológica. El tipo más común de tartamudez (a veces denominada tartamudez del desarrollo) usualmente se desarrollan en la infancia, con mayor frecuencia entre los dos y los ocho años (aunque en raras ocasiones puede empezar mucho más tarde). Aproximadamente entre 4% y 5% de personas tartamudean en algún momento de su infancia. ¿Tiene cura la tartamudez? Muchas personas se benefician de diversas formas de logoterapia   y de grupos de apoyo como la National Stuttering Association®. Aunque los pesquisadores siguen experimentando con dispositivos electrónicos, fármacos y otras técnicas y tratamientos alternativos aún no probados, la tartamudez no tiene cura. No es realista esperar que ningún tratamiento haga desaparecer por completo la tartamudez. Los métodos que parecen beneficiar a algunos individuos pueden no funcionar para otros, y las recaídas son comunes. Una comunidad eficaz comienza con la aceptación de la propia tartamudez y requiere mucha paciencia y comprensión. ¿Es común la tartamudez?  Se calcula que alrededor del 1% de la población adulta tartamudea. Esto equivaldría a casi tres millones de personas que tartamudean sólo en Estados Unidos. La tartamudez es unas tres o cuatro veces más frecuente en homebres que en mujeres. La tartamudez es variable La gravedad de la tartamudez varía mucho de una persona a otra. También puede variar en el mismo individuo de un día para otro y dependiendo de la situación. Decir el nombre propio y hablar con figuras de autoridad puede ser especialmente difícil. Para algunas personas, la fatiga, el estrés y la presión del tiempo pueden aumentar su tendencia a tartamudear. Cuando las personas que tartamudean se sienten obligadas a ocultar su tartamudez, puede empeorar. Los patrones de comportamiento de la tartamudez también varían. Las personas que tartamudean pueden experimentar repeticiones (p-p-p-perro), prolongaciones (lllllleche), o bloqueos (una ausencia de sonido), o pueden experimentar alguna combinación de estos sonidos.  Algunos personas que tartamudan también intentan evitar el tartamudeo haciendo pausas antes de las palabras, sustituyendo palabras e usando frases como ya sabes,   bueno , pues , um , etc., cuando prevén un momento de tartamudeo. Como resultado, la persona puede dar la falsa impresión de estar hesitante, insegura o confusa. Por ejemplo, una entrevista de trabajo puede ser la situación más difícil a la que se enfrente una persona que tartamudea. Es probable que la tartamudez esté en su peor momento. Por lo tanto, el grado de tartamudez en la entrevista no debe utilizarse para predecir cómo se comunicará realmente la persona en el trabajo. ¿Qué ayuda existe?  Aunque no existe una solución fácil para la tartamudez, las personas que tartamudean son capaces de comunicarse eficazmente, vivir una vida plena, y sentirse seguras de sí mismas y de su capacidad para hablar. Dar prioridad a la comunicación eficaz es el objetivo, punto. Es importante que los padres y los pediatras soliciten rápidamente una evaluación a un SLP cualificado si observan que un niño tiene dificultades con el habla. El tratamiento ofrece ventajas para niños en edad escolar, adolescentes y adultos. Es una avenida para reforzar la autoestima, aumentar la confianza y mejorar las habilidades comunicativas, independientemente de la tartamudez actual. Grupos de apoyo para personas que tartamudean La Asociación Nacional de la Tartamudez (National Stuttering Association) ofrece una amplia red de grupos de apoyo para adultos, niños, familias y adolescentes en todo Estados Unidos. Durante estas reuniones, la conversación fluye libremente sin miedo ni vergüenza, y nadie se siente solo. Es otra forma de reforzar la confianza en uno mismo en un ambiente seguro y de explorar nuevas formas de conocer a personas que tartamudean. Encuentra la delegación de la NSA® más cercana. Además, para apoyar a las personas que tartamudean y hablan español como lengua nativa o segunda lengua, la NSA ofrece un grupo de apoyo: NSA Connects en español. TARJETA DE DIVULGACIÓN DE TARTAMUDEZ Tarjeta de divulgación de tartamudez Sabemos que navegar por ciertas situaciones, como una parada de tráfico, la seguridad del aeropuerto o una interacción rápida, puede ser más estresante cuando eres una persona que tartamudea. Es por eso que la Asociación Nacional de Tartamudez desarrolló una Tarjeta de Divulgación de la Tartamudez, una forma simple y efectiva de comunicar que tartamudeas en momentos en que las explicaciones pueden ser difíciles. Ya sea que la uses en situaciones de alta presión o en conversaciones cotidianas, esta tarjeta está diseñada para ayudarte a defenderte y garantizar que te entiendan en tus propios términos.

For people who stutter (PWS), finding a community that truly understands can be life-changing as stuttering can shape our experiences, confidence, and how we navigate the world. While stuttering can be misunderstood when it comes to society, support groups create a space where individuals can connect, share, and grow without fear of judgment. The National Stuttering Association (NSA) offers in-person and virtual support groups , providing a welcoming network of peers who know firsthand what it’s like to stutter. The NSA has both Adult Chapters , for adults who stutter and stuttering allies, and Family Chapters , for kids and teens who stutter and their families. These gatherings prioritize and aim to help PWS feel heard, understood, and supported. In this guide, we’ll explore how to find support groups , why they matter, and how you can get involved today. Why Stuttering Support Group Matter The stuttering experience can sometimes feel isolating, but support groups remind us that we are never alone. They offer a judgment-free space where PWS can express themselves freely without the pressure to be fluent. It’s a chance to meet others who share similar experiences and to gain perspective from those at different stages of their stuttering journey. Beyond connection, these groups foster confidence. Attending a support group assures that stuttering does not define someone’s abilities. The conversations in these spaces—advocating in the workplace, navigating social situations, or simply sharing personal stories—can help reshape how someone sees their voice. Support groups also offer opportunities to learn practical strategies. Discussions often include self-advocacy, raising awareness, and educating others about stuttering. Many find that what they take away from these meetings strengthens their confidence and empowers them to challenge misconceptions about stuttering and stand up for themselves when needed. But perhaps the most valuable part of a support group is the sense of belonging it creates. The friendships formed in these spaces often extend far beyond the meetings, providing an ongoing source of encouragement, motivation, and understanding. How to Find a Support Group Finding the right support group starts with exploring your options. The NSA Chapter Locator is an easy way to find local support groups—simply enter your location and discover meetings near you. These groups meet in various formats, including in-person, virtual, and hybrid, making it easier than ever to get involved. The NSA also offers virtual meetings through NSA Connects for those who prefer online spaces. These online gatherings ensure that you have access to a supportive community no matter where you live. In addition, social media platforms like Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn can be great places to connect with the larger stuttering community, learn about upcoming events, and find local chapters. If you’re unsure where to start, the NSA is always available to help. If you need assistance finding a group or are interested in starting one in your area, email info@westutter.org or call (800) 937-8888. What to Expect at a Support Group Meeting For those attending a support group for the first time, it’s normal to feel uncertain. But NSA meetings are designed to be welcoming and inclusive, where participation is always voluntary and everyone’s communication style is respected. Some people choose to share immediately, while others prefer to listen until they feel comfortable. There is no pressure. Meetings often include personal stories, discussions on navigating speaking situations, and encouragement from others who understand the ups and downs of living with stuttering. Some gatherings may feature guest speakers, workshops, or group activities that focus on building confidence and self-advocacy. More than anything, these meetings provide a place where PWS can simply be themselves. Taking the First Step Toward Connection Joining a support group can be one of the most impactful steps a PWS takes. It’s an opportunity to share experiences, build confidence, and find a network of people who genuinely understand. Whether you attend an in-person meeting, join a virtual session, or engage with the community online, there is a place for you. You don’t have to navigate stuttering alone. The support, encouragement, and friendships found in these spaces can make all the difference. Visit the NSA Chapter Locator today to find a support group near you—your community is waiting. For additional support, visit  WeStutter.org  or contact the NSA at info@westutter.org .