What is stuttering?

Stuttering is experienced as a loss of control of speech by the person who is talking. This affects the flow of speech, often making it difficult for individuals to speak smoothly and effortlessly. Stuttering is often perceived as disruptions in the normal flow of speech by a listener.

There are many opportunities to participate in stuttering research, both locally to Pittsburgh and nationally. BSL Flyer

At the University of Pittsburgh, the Brain Systems for Language Lab is currently recruiting children 7-12 years of age who do and do not stutter to evaluate how their brains process speech and language. The study involves three parts (behavioral testing, EEG/brain waves session, and 1 MRI session).

If you’re a stutterer, you’re not alone. If your child stutters, they are not alone and you are not alone, either. Many people who stutter of all ages find benefit connecting with, learning from, supporting, and being supported by other people who stutter. Everyone who stutters is different, but there is power in connecting with each other to better understand yourself and your experiences.

Stuttering is more than a speech behavior. It’s a condition that can negatively (and often severely) impact the life of a person. Stuttering can dictate what a person does or does not do, what jobs think they think they can do, what classes they take, whether they speak to someone on the sidewalk, whether they think they can be happy or have success. Stuttering is more than just stuttering so research in stuttering is more than just research into disfluent speech.