Stuttering Support Groups

Stuttering is a neurophysiological condition which results in an individual exhibiting blocks, repetitions, or prolongations in their speech. Stuttering is often extremely misunderstood by society. Stuttering is a chronological experience, meaning it will likely occur across the span of an individual’s lifetime. Approximately 1% of the population stutters, equating to about 80 million people worldwide. People who stutter do not have control over stuttering, no matter how much they “just breathe” or attempt possible speaking techniques. The experience of stuttering goes far beyond the act of physically speaking, as people who stutter is often impacted emotionally and socially. Many people who stutter have experienced isolation, as their experience can not be fully understood by people who do not stutter.

Connection between people who stutter can be extremely helpful for people who stutter. The stuttering community exists worldwide! There are now many opportunities to meet others who stutter in person, connect virtually, and engage on social media. People who stutter often report that meeting other people who stutter or attending a support group significantly impacted their experience with being a person who stutters. Research has also indicated the significance of people who stutter engaging in the stuttering community.

Following a study of a Stuttering Support Organization convention, Gerlach et al. (2019) found that:

· Children and teenagers formed strong relationships and found a sense of community.

· A collaborative learning environment facilitated personal growth.

· Communicative and cognitive changes persisted beyond the convention.

· Listening to and sharing personal stories increased self-acceptance and the acceptance of others.

· Living with stuttering can be challenging, but the convention helped to normalize stuttering.

Perceptions of persons who stutter before and after attending support group meetings provides insight into the importance, with Murgallis et al. (2015) finding:

· Most study participants reported they gained hope and confidence from interactions with others in the group.

· People felt united in addressing universal aspects of life disruptions caused by stuttering.

· Members felt able to share strengths and help others, which boosted their self-esteem and self-confidence.

· Reports of improved feelings about being a Person Who Stutters following a meeting.

· Before attending meetings, many members believed that they were not any other people who stuttered and experienced negative outcomes with their stuttering.

· The ability to share personal information about stuttering reduced the pressures that they experienced during everyday social interactions.

· Through participation in the meetings, participates mentioned that they obtained a better understanding of other people who stutter, and in turn, a better understanding of themselves as a person who stutters.

Did you know Associates in Pediatric Therapy offers a FREE monthly kids support group for children who stutter? For more information and to sign up for email notifications, click here: https://forms.gle/yMzf9agS9E6kQpoaA or e-mail Ashley at ashleycslp@kidtherapy.org

Associates in Pediatric Therapy also hosts the Louisville Chapter of the National Stuttering Association at our Louisville clinic on the second Tuesday of each month. The group welcomes older teens and adults. For more information, e-mail Ashley at

Check out some other great resources for virtual connection here: https://westutter.org/events/ https://www.friendswhostutter.org/virtual/ https://myspeechapp.org/wednesday-weekly-meetings

Ashley Cubberly, Speech- Language Pathologist.