What Is Stuttering?
Stuttering is just another way of talking — and it’s something that millions of people around the world do! Here’s what you should know:
- It’s okay to stutter.
- About 80 million people around the world stutter.
- Stuttering isn’t caused by being nervous or shy; it’s how some people’s brains and bodies work when they speak.
- Everyone stutters differently. Some people repeat sounds or words; others stretch them out or have moments when words just don’t come out.
- And here’s something really important: stuttering is nobody’s fault.
At SAY, we celebrate the power of every voice — no matter how it sounds.
Did You Know?
Test your knowledge with these fun stuttering facts:
- Stuttering usually begins in early childhood, most commonly between the ages of two and six.
- Some of the most famous voices in the world stutter, like Ryan Coogler, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Bo Jackson, and James Earl Jones, and past SAY Honorees Mitch Guerra, Bill Withers, Carly Simon, and Dr. Alan Rabinowitz.
- There’s no “cure” for stuttering — but there is a community that understands you, supports you, and helps you shine. (That’s us!)
You don’t have to change your voice to share your story. The world needs to hear you.
Meet amazing kids and teens from SAY who stutter and hear their voices, stories, and dreams.
Our Programs
Camp SAY
Our 2-week ACA-accredited, sleepaway summer camp for young people who stutter, ages 8-18, combines an exceptional traditional camp experience with specialized programs and activities designed to build confidence, improve communication skills, and forge enduring friendships.
Camp SAY: Across the USA
SAY’s regional mini–Day Camp weekend programs bring the transformative Camp SAY experience to cities across the country. Camp SAY: Across the USA is specially designed for kids who stutter, providing fun, self-discovery, and the opportunity to forge lasting bonds with new friends from their area.
Confident Voices: NYC
SAY’s award-winning weekend creative arts program takes place in New York City throughout the school year, inspiring imagination and empowerment through collaboration and connection. This project-based program for young people who stutter, ages 8-18, provides a unique forum for participants to express their thoughts, ideas, and dreams freely.
SAY: Speech
SAY’s speech therapy program is led by a licensed speech-language pathologist and board-certified stuttering specialist. SAY: Speech embraces a holistic approach to stuttering therapy that addresses the individual needs and goals of each child and their family. We currently offer services to families in DC, MD, and NY for ages 3-18.
SAY: DC
This free weekly creative arts program is offered throughout the school year in Washington, DC, where young people who stutter are supported and encouraged to find their voice. Through the power of listening, artmaking, and connection, participants ages 5-18 come together to create a community of fun, creativity, and imagination.
My Stutter Project
This unique online program provides a brave and welcoming space for young people who stutter, ages 8-18. Through creative workshops, community, and encouragement, participants build confidence, communication, and self-advocacy skills in a space where others truly understand what they’re going through.