What Is Stuttering?

Stuttering is a communication disorder involving disruptions, or “disfluencies,” in a person’s speech. The word "stuttering" can be used to refer either to the specific speech disfluencies that are commonly seen in people who stutter or to the overall communication difficulty that people who stutter may experience.
In addition to producing disfluencies, people who stutter often experience physical tension and struggle in their speech muscles, as well as embarrassment, anxiety, and fear about speaking. Together, these symptoms can make it very difficult for people who stutter to say what they want to say, and to communicate effectively with others. There are perhaps as many different patterns of stuttering as there are people who stutter. And there are many different degrees of stuttering, from mild to severe.

What Causes Stuttering?

The precise cause of stuttering is not known; however, researchers around the world are actively seeking new information about this complex communication disorder. We do know that stuttering is not caused by emotional problems and it is not a “nervous” disorder. We also know that stuttering is not the fault of the family or of the person who stutters.

What Help Is Available?

Although there is no simple cure for stuttering, people who stutter can learn to speak more easily, feel better about themselves and their speaking ability, and communicate more effectively.

Stuttering typically starts between the ages of 2½ and 5. Early intervention is the most effective way to help children overcome their speaking difficulties, so it is important for parents and pediatricians to seek an evaluation by a qualified speech-language pathologist as soon as they become concerned about a child’s stuttering.

School-age children, adolescents and adults can benefit from speech therapy with a qualified speech-language pathologist who specializes in stuttering. Therapy helps people learn to manage their stuttering, increase their speech fluency, and improve their self-esteem and their self-confidence.

Stuttering support also helps. Surveys show that people who attend the National Stuttering Association’s support groups and national conference experience fewer stuttering-related problems and have more successful speech therapy.

What Does The National Stuttering Association Do?

We’re the largest support organization anywhere for people who stutter. Our chapters across the U.S. are local support groups for adults, teens, children and parents. The NSA also sponsors an annual conference, regional workshops, youth and family events, and continuing education seminars for speech-language pathologists. These activities are a proven way to build self-confidence, get more comfortable with speaking and learn about stuttering and treatment options.

Where Can I Get More Information?

You can find additional information about stuttering by exploring this website. For answers to specific questions, call the National Stuttering Association at (800) We Stutter 937-8888 or email us at info@WeStutter.org.