Stuttering is a disruption in the normal flow of speech. It may include repetitions of sounds/syllables (e.g., “ba-ba-ball”), words (e.g., “some-some-some toys”) or phrases (e.g., “I want-I want-I want a turn”), sound prolongations (stretching out a sound lllllike this) or silent blocks (pauses where no sound comes out). For examples of what this sounds like, see the video Understanding stuttering: Clear examples from a speech-language pathologist.
The exact cause of stuttering is still not fully understood, but research shows it is usually due to a mix of different things.
Frequently asked questions and answers about stuttering
Does nervousness cause stuttering?
No. Nervousness does not cause stuttering, but it can make it harder to speak.
Do stress and anxiety cause stuttering?
No. Stress does not cause stuttering, but it does contribute to how we feel and function, potentially affecting the severity or frequency of stuttering.
Does bad parenting or discipline cause stuttering?
No. There is no evidence that parenting style causes stuttering. Stuttering is a neurodevelopmental difference.
Can a single traumatic event cause stuttering?
No. There is no evidence that any single traumatic event (e.g., bullying, accidents, getting bitten by an animal) or change (e.g., family move, birth of a sibling, parent divorce) can cause stuttering.
Is stuttering learned from others?
No. Children do not "pick up" or “catch” stuttering by copying someone else. It is not contagious or learned behaviour. It often runs in families.
Is stuttering a habit that can be broken?
No. Stuttering is not just a bad habit that you can just quit like thumb sucking. It is linked to how the brain processes and produces speech and language.
Does switching languages cause stuttering?
No. Bilingualism does not cause stuttering, though switching languages can add complexity and make it more challenging for early language learners. People who stutter should not stop being bilingual.
Can forcing a child to switch hands (handedness) cause stuttering?
No. There is no solid evidence linking hand-switching (e.g., forcing a child who is left-handed to switch to using their right hand) to the development of stuttering. However, hand-switching is still not recommended for anyone. Forcing a child to switch their natural hand preference can interfere with brain development and lead to learning and motor difficulties, so it’s best to let children use the hand they naturally prefer.
Is stuttering caused by a child being too smart or speaking too early?
No. High intelligence or early talking does not cause stuttering. Stuttering can happen in children of all language levels.
Do children stutter because they are thinking too fast?
No. Fast thinking does not cause stuttering. While rapid thoughts or complex ideas can make speaking more challenging, stuttering is not caused by how quickly someone thinks. Speaking too fast can make fluent speech more difficult, but instead of telling children to slow down, parents should model a calm, slower speaking pace to support smoother speech.
Are people who stutter good communicators?
Yes. They are often thoughtful communicators who choose their words carefully and listen closely, making their conversations meaningful.
Can people who stutter be successful?
Absolutely. Many well-known individuals who stutter have excelled in their fields. You can find a list of Famous People Who Stutter on the Stuttering Foundations website.
Stuttering has nothing to do with intelligence or creativity. Children and teens who stutter are just as capable of succeeding in school, sports, the arts and anything else they are passionate about.
Do people who stutter have strong emotional skills?
Yes. Many people who stutter develop empathy and emotional intelligence, which helps them connect deeply with others. They typically also build resilience and persistence because they regularly navigate communication challenges, which strengthens confidence over time.