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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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 .

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.