When we do not know what causes stuttered speech, it is exceedingly difficult (if not impossible) to reliably “cure” stuttering. However, approximately 80% of young children naturally outgrow stuttering within about 1 to 5 years from onset; unfortunately, researchers and clinicians are currently unable to reliably predict which children will and will not outgrow stuttering. Consequently, most preschool-aged stuttering therapy programs are designed to foster this natural recovery process from stuttering. And as an aside, parents should feel free to ask questions (and particularly this question) to their speech pathologist. Any proficient Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) knows this question is coming, and they should be prepared with a thoughtful and accurate response. Further, parents should not be afraid to trust their instincts; sometimes, changing SLPs may be beneficial for everyone involved. This should not be interpreted that the original SLP was ineffective or otherwise inadequate, but rather to suggest that a change in perspective and approach may result in better results. Ultimately, current stuttering therapies can provide powerful results in managing (i.e., limiting) stuttering behaviors, but since the precise cause of stuttering remains unknown, stuttering therapies continue to struggle at eliminating the pathology altogether. So in conclusion, an open, honest, educated, empowered and shame-free attitude toward stuttering is a great path to follow as you raise a child who is stuttering. Using questions from others as teaching moments to demonstrate stuttering awareness, acceptance and advocacy will also create a positive foundation for your child’s development, regardless if your child recovers from stuttering or not.

Greg Snyder, Ph.D.