Hello guys, I also have quite a complex question regarding research into understanding the cause of stuttering. I have a genetics degree and I am therefore heavily biased towards this sort of research. I really enjoyed reading Dr. Drayna’s paper on the linkage studying identifying the first genetic aberrations underlying stuttering. It was great to see and I would love to know if more of this work is ongoing into the genetics of stuttering? I love genetic findings (again, biased) as they are fundamentally validated as causative leading to true insights into pathophysiology – if difficult and surprising to understand.

Specifically, I am wondering if anyone is looking to apply genetic approaches more suited to complex genetic diseases that the predominant amount of stuttering appears to be unlike the Drayna cases (evidenced from twin studies not displaying 100% heritability and the lack of amenity of stuttering to linkage analysis in other pedigrees). For instance, are any Genome wide association studies (GWAS) going to happen?

I would love it if someone can lend me any help in answering my esoteric question.