Did You Know?

· Stuttering is a communication disorder involving disruptions, or dysfluencies, in a person’s speech, but there are nearly as many ways to stutter as there are people who stutter. Read more on our What Is Stuttering? page.

· There are lots of Myths About Stuttering out there, including the notion that it can be cured. Get the facts about stuttering!

· Onset: Approximately 95% of children who stutter start to do so before the age of 4 years, and the average age of onset is between 2 and 3 years.

· Prevalence: Around 5% of children and 1% of the adult population stutters.

· Causes: Numerous factors contribute to stuttering. It is rooted in a combination of genetic and neurological factors. Many people who stutter have a family history of stuttering. Anxiety is not a cause of stuttering, although it can be a consequence.

· The National Stuttering Association is a non-profit organization – the largest in the world – started in 1977, dedicated to bringing hope and empowerment to children and adults who stutter, their families, and professionals through support, education, advocacy, and research.

May is Better Hearing & Speech Month

Each May, Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM) provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and the role of ASHA members in providing life-altering treatment.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 218,000 members and affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists (SLP); speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and speech-language pathology support personnel; and students.

ASHA encourages the public to seek help from SLPs, highly trained professionals who provide people who stutter with services that can make an important and positive difference in their lives.