Understanding The Diversity Of Stuttering – Maggie Chen

Maggie ChenAbout the Author:

Margaret (Maggie) Chen is a junior at Albany High School in California with a strong interest in medicine, neuroscience, and biomedical research. After watching The King’s Speech, she was curious to learn more about the neurological basis of stuttering. This led her to develop a research project where she conducted an extensive literature review, with guidance from Dr. Ioannis Delis at the University of Leeds, exploring the brain regions connected to stuttering along with its treatments. Through her work, she has developed a deep appreciation for the myriad of “shades” stuttering comes in.

Beyond research, Maggie values STEM education and community health outreach. She has served as a teaching assistant for a Human Physiology course at UC Berkeley’s Academic Talent Development Program and is involved in student organizations at school focused on health and service. She aspires to become a physician, clinical researcher, and educator in STEM.

After reviewing more than 60 studies and review articles, I learned that there is no single “shade” of stuttering. Stuttering varies by the sound, development, neurological underpinnings, treatments, and personal experiences. Inspired by the theme, “Shades of Stuttering — What’s Yours?”, this presentation explores the diversity of stuttering.

Works Cited

Slide 2:

First image: Personal photo of Margaret Chen.

Second image: 

Lancashire County Council (2009). Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter filming The King’s Speech at Queen Street Mill Textile Museum. [Photograph]. Flickr: Filming Colin and Helena.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/63/Colin_Firth_and_Helena_Bonham_Carter_filming_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=index&utm_content=original. Licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped from original.

Slide 3:

Information: 

Neef, N. E.; Chang, S.-E. Knowns and Unknowns about the Neurobiology of Stuttering. PLoS Biol 2024, 22 (2), e3002492. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002492. 

First image: 

Caro, T. (2008). Samuel L. Jackson à l’avant-première de Cleaner diffusée à l’UGC Ciné Cité Les Halles, à Paris [Photograph].  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ce/Samuel-L.-Jackson-Cleaner-2.JPG?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=index&utm_content=original. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Second image: 

Paul, K. (2026). Emily Blunt at the WWD Style Awards 2026 [Photograph].  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b2/Emily_Blunt_at_WWD_Style_Awards_2026.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=index&utm_content=original. Licensed under CC BY 4.0

Third image: 

Antonio, Z. (2007). Rowan Atkinson and Manneken Pis in Brussels [Photograph].  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Rowan_Atkinson_and_Manneken_Pis.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=index&utm_content=original. Licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Fourth image: 

Rinaldi, E. (2013). Ed Sheeran [Photograph].  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c1/Ed_Sheeran_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=index&utm_content=original. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Fifth image: 

Shaw, S. (1953). A glamorous Marilyn Monroe in a red dress, taken for publicity purposes for 1953 film How to Marry a Millionaire. [Photograph]. Doctor Macro.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/Marilyn_Monroe_in_How_to_Marry_a_Millionaire.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=index&utm_content=original. Public domain in the United States. 

Slide 4:

Information: 

Ehud, Y.; Ambrose, N. G. Early Childhood Stuttering; Pro-Ed, 2005. 

Smith, A.; Weber, C. How Stuttering Develops: The Multifactorial Dynamic Pathways Theory. J Speech Lang Hear Res 2017, 60 (9), 2483–2505. https://doi.org/10.1044/2017_JSLHR-S-16-0343. 

Lundgren, K., Helm-Estabrooks, N., & Klein, R. (2010). Stuttering Following Acquired Brain Damage: A Review of the Literature. Journal of neurolinguistics, 23(5), 447–454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneuroling.2009.08.008

Junuzovic-Zunic, L., Sinanovic, O., & Majic, B. (2021). Neurogenic Stuttering: Etiology, Symptomatology, and Treatment. Medical archives (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina), 75(6), 456–461. https://doi.org/10.5455/medarh.2021.75.456-461

Slide 5:

Information:

Beal, D. S.; Lerch, J. P.; Cameron, B.; Henderson, R.; Gracco, V. L.; De Nil, L. F. The Trajectory of Gray Matter Development in Broca’s Area Is Abnormal in People Who Stutter. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 2015, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2015.00089.

Alm, P. A. Stuttering and the Basal Ganglia Circuits: A Critical Review of Possible Relations. Journal of Communication Disorders 2004, 37 (4), 325–369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcomdis.2004.03.001.

 Hertrich, I.; Dietrich, S.; Ackermann, H. The Role of the Supplementary Motor Area for Speech and Language Processing. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 2016, 68, 602–610. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.030.

Alario, F.-X.; Chainay, H.; Lehericy, S.; Cohen, L. The Role of the Supplementary Motor Area (SMA) in Word Production. Brain Research 2006, 1076 (1), 129–143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2005.11.104.

Johnson, M. D.; Ojemann, G. A. The Role of the Human Thalamus in Language and Memory: Evidence from Electrophysiological Studies. Brain and Cognition 2000, 42 (2), 218–230. https://doi.org/10.1006/brcg.1999.1101.

Chow, H. M.; Chang, S. White Matter Developmental Trajectories Associated with Persistence and Recovery of Childhood Stuttering. Human Brain Mapping 2017, 38 (7), 3345–3359. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.23590.

Ackermann, H.; Mathiak, K.; Riecker, A. The Contribution of the Cerebellum to Speech Production and Speech Perception: Clinical and Functional Imaging Data. Cerebellum 2007, 6 (3), 202–213. https://doi.org/10.1080/14734220701266742.

Figure: 

Created in BioRender. Chen, M. (2026) https://BioRender.com/hip0ila

Slide 6:

Information:

Blomgren, M. Behavioral Treatments for Children and Adults Who Stutter: A Review. PRBM 2013, 9. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S31450.

Sønsterud, H.; Halvorsen, M. S.; Feragen, K. B.; Kirmess, M.; Ward, D. What Works for Whom? Multidimensional Individualized Stuttering Therapy (MIST). Journal of Communication Disorders 2020, 88, 106052. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcomdis.2020.106052.

Slide 7:

Information:

Bakhtiar, M.; Yeung, T. W. Y.; Choi, A. The Application of Neuronavigated rTMS of the Supplementary Motor Area and Rhythmic Speech Training for Stuttering Intervention. Intl J Lang & Comm Disor 2024, 59 (5), 1893–1905. https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.13039.

Yada, Y.; Tomisato, S.; Hashimoto, R. Online Cathodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to the Right Homologue of Broca’s Area Improves Speech Fluency in People Who Stutter. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2019, 73 (2), 63–69. https://doi.org/10.1111/pcn.12796.

Blomgren, M. Behavioral Treatments for Children and Adults Who Stutter: A Review. PRBM 2013, 9. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S31450.

Guitar, B. Stuttering: An Integrated Approach to Its Nature and Treatment, 5th ed.; Wolters Kluwer Health, 2019.

Menzies, R. G.; Onslow, M.; Packman, A.; O’Brien, S. Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Adults Who Stutter: A Tutorial for Speech-Language Pathologists. Journal of Fluency Disorders 2009, 34 (3), 187–200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfludis.2009.09.002.

Yaruss, J. S.; Coleman, C.; Hammer, D. Treating Preschool Children Who Stutter: Description and Preliminary Evaluation of a Family-Focused Treatment Approach. LSHSS 2006, 37 (2), 118–136. https://doi.org/10.1044/0161-1461(2006/014).

Andrews, G.; Dozsa, M. Haloperidol and the Treatment of Stuttering. Journal of Fluency Disorders 1977, 2 (3), 217–224. https://doi.org/10.1016/0094-730X(77)90025-0.

Maguire, G. A.; Riley, G. D.; Yu, B. P. A Neurological Basis of Stuttering? The Lancet Neurology 2002, 1 (7), 407. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(02)00217-X.

Maguire, G. A.; Nguyen, D. L.; Simonson, K. C.; Kurz, T. L. The Pharmacologic Treatment of Stuttering and Its Neuropharmacologic Basis. Front. Neurosci. 2020, 14, 158. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.00158.

Loading

Comments

Understanding The Diversity Of Stuttering – Maggie Chen — 20 Comments

  1. A great read Maggie and so good to see such passion and interest in someone young and upcoming! Your future is so bright, that you should be wearing shades! Also great to see that you did not simply ask GenAI for a presentation (like so many do now). Great to see you doing research!

  2. Thank you Maggie for putting this together and choosing to participate in the ISAD conference. We need more young voices to get involved in the stuttering community – either to share lived experiences, or do research or enter into the field OR all three.

    I live in Albany, NY and we too have an Albany High School.

    Keep spreading the word and help the world better understand stuttering.

    Pam

    • Thank you Pamela. I believe young people should speak up about this topic more, since bullying because of stuttering starts at a young age. So cool that you also live in some Albany!

  3. Thank you for sharing, Maggie! I was wondering whether you’ve ever encountered someone who stutters? How do you feel you would react in that scenario, now that you’ve educated yourself?

  4. Thanks for sharing your research! I love how you included famous people who stutter and the cause for stuttering, as there are many myths associated with this. For stuttering therapies, could you tell us more about the effectiveness for each approach?

  5. I really enjoyed reading your article, Maggie! It was interesting to learn that stuttering has different causes, characteristics, and treatment approaches. Your research highlights the importance of understanding that every person’s experience with stuttering is unique and that support should be personalized to their individual needs. Thank you for helping raise awareness and challenge common misconceptions about stuttering.
    Question:
    Based on your research, which treatment approach do you think has the most potential to help people who stutter, and how can treatment be personalized to meet each individual’s needs?

  6. Hi Maggie!

    Thank you so much for sharing your well-researched slides! I love how you integrated both research and your own personal experience to tackle the prompt of understanding “shades.” I was curious: what specifically about the movie caught your interest? In all honesty, I haven’t seen the film, but I am interested in watching it since your story makes it seem quite compelling!

  7. Hi Maggie. I really enjoyed reading your research! Very impressive work! There are so many different views and approaches to therapy, I was wondering what your thoughts were. When researching the different therapeutic approaches to stuttering, did any of them specifically stick out to you as interesting or especially unique?

  8. Hello Maggie!
    Your article is absolutely fascinating and impressive how you young you are to be conducting this research. I understand that dug into the neuroscience of this topic, but I was curious if you met with a Speech Language Pathologist to get there insight on stuttering.

  9. Hi Maggie! I’m so impressed with your research. Thank you so much for sharing! With your research and your lived experience as a high school student, what do you feel SLPs in schools can be doing to challenge these misconceptions of stuttering to students/teachers/staff in schools? I want to make sure that, as a future clinician, I’m advocating for these individuals, and I’d love your perspective. Thank you!

  10. Hi Maggie, I really enjoyed reading your presentation on understanding the diversity of stuttering. As a SLP graduate student, it is important for us to learn how stuttering can look different in individuals and your presentation is reader-friendly and well-researched for anyone to learn about the differences of stuttering! Great job! I’m curious, while researching, did you gain any new interests about any other speech and/or language disorders?

  11. Hi Maggie! Thank you for sharing your research! I found your discussion of the different neurological factors involved in stuttering especially interesting. Since stuttering can present so differently across individuals, I’m curious whether your research identified any neurological differences that could help explain why some people experience more persistent stuttering while others recover naturally. Do you think these findings could eventually help clinicians identify which children may be at greater risk for persistent stuttering?

  12. Hi Maggie, my name is Jacqueline and I appreciate how you took the time to break down what stuttering is for people who do not know what it is. Additionally, I also appreciated how you broke down stuttering given that stuttering is a complex but very intriguing and interesting topic in the speech world. I wrote notes down about the different therapy techniques we can use with PWS in the schools and private practices. My question I would like to ask you is based on the research you did about therapy techniques for stuttering, which type of therapy would you choose and why? Thank you so much and have a great day.

  13. Hi Maggie, I apperciate the presentation making it easy to understand how diverse stuttering can be! When working with young children who stutter, how do you decide what therapy approach to use for them and if there is ever conflicts with what parents want?

  14. Hi Maggie, the work and thought you put into this presentation is so evident, thank you for sharing it with us!

  15. Hi Maggie,

    Thank you for sharing your presentation! Would you mind sharing the impact of each pharmacological therapy you listed? In my class, we have only learned about behavioral therapies. How and under what circumstance would you recommend a pharmacological intervention?

  16. Hello Maggie,
    This was such a well-made and informative presentation! I appreciate the care and detail that you put into making these slides. As a future SLP, I have learned about the different types of stuttering and their different onset times/circumstances. However, I am unfamiliar with psychogenic stuttering. In your research, did you discover what type of treatment is typically used for this type of stuttering?

  17. What a fantastic job you’ve done, Maggie! At your age, even the word stuttering was giving me the chills, and I wouldn never think of talking about it. So what you did, presenting a subject that’s so hard to understand for so many, in such a clear way, and including your own experiences, is absolutely amazing!

    Keep talking, Maggie

    Anita

    • Thank you Anita. I think it’s very important to talk about, and it’s also just such an interesting topic!