Stuttering 101

Stuttering is a complex and often misunderstood communication difference that can cause interruptions in a person’s speech. Children who stutter often have feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety, or discomfort about their speech. SAY was founded to help support these children and the world around them.  We help young people understand that every voice deserves to be heard—even if you stutter.

Stuttering is a communication difference that occurs due to a variation in the neurological pathways involved in speech. It is not easy to define, because it looks very different in each person and can even change over the course of a person’s lifetime. As many as 5% of young children stutter, and approximately 1% of all people–that’s 80 million people! Although no two people who stutter are exactly the same, we can generally understand stuttering in three connected parts:

  • Surface behaviors—qualities of speech that you can see and hear. For example:
    • Sound repetitions (“Let’s ride in the c-c-car”)
    • Sound prolongations (“Hey, that’s mmmmmy toy”)
    • Silent blocks (“Let’s read a —– book”)
    • Secondary characteristics – other body movements when a person is stuttering. This can include eye blinks, leg shaking, lots of tension in the throat, or many other characteristics.
  • Impact on attitudes and emotions—Some people who stutter may not be bothered by their stuttering at all. Many others, however, struggle with shame, embarrassment, anxiety, or low self-esteem. For some, the impact on quality of life can be far more significant than the surface behaviors.
  • Impact on everyday life—Many people who stutter go to great lengths to try to hide their stuttering. As a result, they may avoid or struggle with many ordinary situations, such as ordering at a restaurant, introducing themselves, or reading aloud in class. Children who stutter may also face bullying or teasing at school because of the way that they talk.

Each person who stutters will have different surface behaviors and different degrees of difficulty with their speech. But it is important to recognize that stuttering is much more than what we can see and hear.

Many factors contribute to stuttering as a child develops. Up-to-date research says that stuttering has a genetic link. This can result in a person having slight differences in how their brain is organized for speech and language. Other contributing factors may include the child’s temperament, emotions, and language development. It is important to know that stuttering is nobody’s fault. Stuttering is not caused by anything parents do. Core stuttering behaviors are involuntary, meaning they cannot always be controlled. Many people find ways to work around or minimize the impact of their core stuttering, while speech therapy and support groups can play a role in helping individuals to understand their speech better. But it is different for everyone.

Just be yourself, and remember – the main difference between a person who stutters and a person who doesn’t is that the person who stutters may need some extra time to talk. See our Listening Tips for more information.

Stuttering cannot be “cured” like a disease or illness, and there is no known medication to treat stuttering. However, speech therapy and support groups have been shown to help children who stutter reduce the negative impact of stuttering on their lives. Young children (typically age 2 ½ to 6) often see reduced stuttering behaviors as they continue to grow, and it is thought that early intervention speech therapy makes a difference. SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young offers many programs to reduce the adverse impact of stuttering. Our Speech Therapy program addresses the underlying attitudes, emotions, and behaviors related to stuttering. Confident Voices is a place where kids who stutter in the NY-metro area meet each other and work together to express themselves and face their fears. The My Stutter Project is an online program for young people who stutter, offering a brave and welcoming space to connect with others from around the world. SAY: DC provides weekly creative arts programming for young people who stutter in the Washington, DC area. Camp SAY: Across the USA is a regional day camp program that brings the Camp SAY experience to cities nationwide. Camp SAY is a sleep-away summer camp where all of these elements come together to support confidence and communication.

You and your child are not alone. Although it may be scary or intimidating to learn about stuttering, it is important to know that there are many professionals who can help and a community of families and individuals who stutter who are willing to share their stories. For more information, please contact us at info@SAY.org, or 212.414.9696.

Listening Tips
Toolkit: Supporting Young People Who Stutter at School
My Stutter Video Series

SAY’s Life-Changing Programs

We believe that every young person who stutters has a voice that deserves to be heard. SAY empowers, supports, and advocates for young people who stutter, fostering confidence, community, and a world that listens. SAY builds a community of acceptance, friendship, and encouragement where kids and teens who stutter can develop the confidence and communication skills they need to thrive. Learn more about these SAY programs, and please submit an Inquiry Form with any questions.

  • 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. Download our Speech Therapy Brochure.

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  • 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. Download our Confident Voices Brochure.

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  • 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. Download our Camp SAY Brochure.

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  • 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. Download our SAY: DC Brochure.

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  • 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.

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  • 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. Download our My Stutter Project Brochure.

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