stutters

Stutters, or stuttering, is a speech fluency disorder characterized by disruptions in the smooth flow of speech. Core disfluencies include repetitions of sounds or syllables, prolongations of sounds, and blocks where airflow and voice may momentarily stop. Speakers may also hesitate, insert filler words, or revise phrases; many experience secondary behaviors such as facial tension, eye blinking, or body movements during talking.

Stuttering typically begins in early childhood, most often between ages 2 and 5. Many children recover naturally, while others continue to stutter into later childhood or adulthood. A higher proportion of males compared with females experience persistence. There is evidence for genetic and neurodevelopmental factors, and brain activity related to speech can differ in people who stutter.

Assessment is conducted by speech-language pathologists to distinguish stuttering from typical disfluency and to gauge its severity and impact on communication. Evaluation considers the frequency and types of disfluencies, their duration, and social or educational consequences.

Treatment aims to improve fluency, reduce avoidance, and support effective communication. Approaches range from fluency shaping (speaking with a controlled rhythm and slower pace) to stuttering modification (techniques to manage moments of stuttering). Other strategies include relaxed voice onsets, paced breathing, and gradual exposure, often combined with counseling and support. Therapy is individualized; early intervention can be beneficial, but some individuals require ongoing management. Stuttering is not related to intelligence or motivation, and many who stutter lead successful personal and professional lives. Research continues into genetic and neural factors, predictors of persistence, and the relative effectiveness of treatments.