“Stuttering” is more commonly used in American English, while “stammering” is used more often in British English. Both terms refer to a speech disorder characterized by involuntary repetitions, prolongations, or blocks. This can occur on a sound, syllable, word, or phrase.

Stuttering, also known as stammering, is a speech disorder that impacts individuals of all ages. While those who stutter may know what they want to say, they experience difficulty in expressing themselves verbally. At its core, stuttering is a motoric issue that can develop into a communication disorder, leading to avoidance of certain situations such as ordering food at a restaurant or participating at school. The pattern and severity of stuttering can vary from person to person or day to day. It is important to note that these fluctuations are a normal part of stuttering.

• Repetition of sounds, syllables, or words in a sentence (also called a repetition)

• Having a hard time getting a sound out (also called a block)

• Drawing a sound out (also called a prolongation)

• Avoiding certain words or situations that they find challenging to articulate

• Physical movements such as eye blinking, head nodding/turning, pen tapping These signs and symptoms can significantly impact an individual’s ability to communicate effectively and may require intervention to manage.

It is common for children between the ages of 2 and 6 to go through periods of disfluency, but if certain risk factors are present, it increases the likelihood for stuttering to continue. These risk factors include:

• Gender: stuttering is more likely to persist in boys than girls

• Age: stuttering is more likely to continue in children who began stuttering at age 3.5 years or older

• Family history: a family history of stuttering increase the likelihood the child will stutter

• ​has been stuttering for 6 to 12 months or longer

• began stuttering at age 3.5 or older

• stutters more frequently than previously

• has a family history of stuttering

• shows tension or struggle when speaking

• avoids situations that require speaking

Stuttering is a neurologically-based disorder which impairs an individual’s ability to time and sequence the underlying movements necessary for speech.

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Stuttering is genetic. In fact, research has identified some of the genes that play a role in stuttering.

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The exact causes of stuttering remain unclear. Ongoing research will continue to shed light on this complex disorder and offer hope for effective treatment and management.