There are different perspectives within the stuttering community about how to describe people who stutter. Some prefer terms that emphasize the person first, such as "People Who Stutter." Others embrace terms like "Stutterer," acknowledging stuttering as a central part of their identity.

Identity-First Language vs. People-First Language

Identity-first language emphasizes what individuals consider to be a core part of their identity. For example, within the autism community, some people identify as Autistic to dispel the notion or bias that Autism is an unfortunate affliction. Examples include "Autistic person" or "Autistic individual."

People-first language puts the person before their disability or condition, emphasizing that they are a person first and not defined by their disability. Examples include "person with ADHD" or "an individual with Down syndrome."

Our Approach

Identity and Empowerment: Here at Support for Young Stutterers, we’ve chosen "Young Stutterers" to reflect the view of stuttering as an integrated part of a young person's experience. This approach empowers young people and their adults to embrace who they are as communicators and support their experiences.

You'll See Both Throughout: While "Young Stutterers" is our primary term, you will also see "Young People Who Stutter" used in our resources. We believe both terms are valid and want to ensure our resources are inclusive and accessible.

When in Doubt, Ask:

Ultimately, the language you use is all about respect. If you aren’t sure how to refer to someone, the respectful approach is to ask them. Getting the person’s preference directly ensures that they choose how they’re referred to.

At Support for Young Stutterers, we're committed to supporting the SLPs, caregivers, and educators of young people who stutter, across a broad spectrum:

• Preschool and Elementary School (Ages 3-11): A significant portion of our resources focus on this crucial developmental stage. By laying a strong foundation during these preschool and elementary years, we can:

  • Foster positive self-esteem and communication confidence

  • Empower caregivers, educators, and SLPs to create supportive communication environments for young children who stutter.

• Teenagers (Ages 12-17): We also provide resources specifically tailored to the unique challenges teenagers who stutter may face, including navigating communication in academic settings and building self-advocacy skills.

By providing comprehensive resources and support during these formative years, we can significantly improve long-term communication outcomes for young people who stutter.

At Support for Young Stutterers, we steer away from a one-size-fits-all approach to stuttering therapy. Every young person who stutters is unique, with their own communication style, experiences, and goals.

Here's what guides our approach:

• Individualized Focus: We prioritize understanding the specific needs and aspirations of each young person and their family through open communication and collaboration.

• Evidence-Based Practices: We draw on a toolbox of proven therapy techniques backed by research on stuttering. This allows us to tailor a plan that effectively addresses each individual's challenges.

• ICF Model Framework: We consider all aspects of a young person's life (body functions, activities, participation, personal factors, and environmental factors) through the lens of the ICF model. This ensures a holistic approach to therapy.

• Shared Decision-Making: We believe in a collaborative process. We work together with the young person, their family, and any other relevant professionals (e.g., teachers) to develop a therapy plan that everyone feels comfortable with and invested in.

• Strengths-Based Approach: We build on a young person's existing communication skills and strengths. This empowers them to become confident communicators, embracing their unique style.

By avoiding pre-determined programs and focusing on individualized solutions, we ensure therapy is tailored to the specific needs and goals of each young person who stutters.

At Support for Young Stutterers, we appreciate your passion for empowering young people who stutter! Here are a few ways you can get involved and make a difference:

Become a Community Partner: Organizations and businesses that share our mission can explore partnership opportunities. This could include:

- Co-hosting events or webinars focused on stuttering awareness and education.

- Offering your services or products at a discounted rate to benefit Support Young Stutterers programs.

- Guest Blogging: Are you an SLP, educator, or caregiver with valuable insights on stuttering? We welcome guest blog contributions that can inform and inspire our readers.

- Webinars and Presentations: Do you have a passion for sharing your knowledge and experience on a broader scale? We're always looking for qualified speakers to present webinars on topics relevant to stuttering.

Stay Connected:

- Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on our latest resources, events, and advocacy efforts.

- Follow us on Instagram (@SupportYoungStutterers) for upcoming opportunities to get involved.

We believe that everyone has a role to play in creating a more supportive and inclusive world for young people who stutter. Please don't hesitate to contact us at info@youngstutterers.com if you have any questions or would like to discuss how you can get involved with Support for Young Stutterers!