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Support Groups for Caregivers & Young People Who Stutter

Updated: Nov 18, 2024

Caregivers and young people who stutter can greatly benefit from the support and understanding offered by support groups. These communities provide a safe space to share experiences, learn from others, and build lasting connections. Research consistently demonstrates that support groups can significantly improve emotional well-being, self-esteem, and overall quality of life for both caregivers and young people.



Research Highlights: The Impact of Support Groups


Research underscores the significant benefits of support groups for individuals who stutter and their caregivers. Here are some key findings:


Sense of Community and Belonging

A study by Gerlach et al. (2019) found that children and teenagers who participate in stuttering support organizations form strong relationships and find a sense of belonging. The collaborative learning environment facilitates personal growth and helps normalize the experience of stuttering, leading to increased self-acceptance and acceptance of others.


Positive Perceptions and Self-Acceptance

Support group participation is associated with more positive perceptions of behaviors and experiences related to stuttering. Trichon and Tetnowski (2011) found that individuals who engage in support groups focus on communicating freely rather than trying not to stutter, resulting in less negative life outcomes. Similarly, Yaruss et al. (2002) reported that adults who stutter experience positive impacts on self-image and acceptance through participation in NSA support groups, with 57.1% of participants describing the impact as “very positive.”


Hope and Confidence

Interacting with others in support groups boosts hope, confidence, and self-esteem. Murgallis et al. (2015) found that participants gained hope and confidence from interactions within the group, feeling united in addressing life disruptions caused by stuttering. This sense of unity and shared strength enhances members' self-esteem and self-confidence.


The Role of Online Support Groups

A scoping review by Daynes-Kearney and Gallagher (2023) explored the impact of online support groups (OSGs) for family caregivers. The review highlighted several key elements that contribute to the success of OSGs:


  • Safe Communication: OSGs offer a nonjudgmental space where caregivers can share their experiences openly and receive empathetic responses.

  • Shared Life Experiences: Participants find comfort in connecting with others who have similar experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.

  • Active Engagement: Effective moderation and structured support encourage active participation and build a strong community network.


People attending a support group in person

Find Your Support Community


Several organizations offer free support groups specifically designed for caregivers and young people who stutter. These groups provide a safe space to share experiences, learn from experts, and build lasting connections with others.


Here are a few for you to explore:


The National Stuttering Association (NSA)

The National Stuttering Association (NSA) is dedicated to supporting individuals who stutter and their families. Offering both in-person Family Chapters and online support groups, the NSA provides a wealth of resources, including educational materials and expert advice.


  • In-Person Family Chapters: Connect with other families in your area to share experiences and support.

  • Parents & Caregivers Virtual Gathering: Join the NSA’s regular online discussions for parents and caregivers. These gatherings offer a flexible way to connect with others, share your journey, and receive support from a community of understanding individuals.



Friends - The National Association of Young People Who Stutter

Friends offers virtual support groups tailored to different age groups, providing a platform for sharing experiences, gaining insights, and connecting with others.


  • Virtual Parent Groups in English & Grupos para Familiares en Español: Available in both English and Spanish, this is a space for parents, guardians, and relatives to connect, share ideas and concerns, and learn helpful strategies to best support their young person who stutters.

  • Virtual Teen Groups: The purpose of these groups is to create a safe space for teens to connect, inspire, and laugh with friends who stutter. All groups will be supervised by an adult.

  • Virtual Kids Groups: A space for kids who stutter to meet other kids who stutter, make friends who stutter and enjoy each other’s company. All groups will be facilitated by an adult. Age Range: This group is for kids aged 6 to 11.



"Voice Unearthed - Supporting Children Who Stutter" - Facebook Group

Connect with a supportive online community through Dori Holte's Facebook Group, which is focused on empowering children who stutter. This group offers a forum for open discussion and sharing of experiences.


  • Parent-Centric Community: Share your experiences and find encouragement from other parents.

  • Educational Resources: Explore insights from the book Voice Unearthed: Hope, Help, and a Wake-Up Call for the Parents of Children Who Stutter.

  • Open Discussion: Participate in conversations that focus on empowering children and reducing the pressures of stuttering.


Man smiling at his laptop

Tips for Finding a Support Group


  • Identify Your Needs: Consider what kind of support you're looking for, such as in-person or online, and the specific topics you'd like to discuss.

  • Research Local Options: Check with your child's speech-language pathologist, pediatrician, or local schools for recommendations.

  • Explore Online Communities: If in-person groups aren't accessible, explore online options offered by national organizations or support groups.

  • Try Different Groups: It may take some time to find the right fit for you and your family.



By connecting with other caregivers and young people who stutter, you can create a powerful support network. Sharing experiences, learning from others, and building lasting connections can foster resilience, understanding, and hope for both caregivers and children.


Note: This list of resources will be updated over time as new support groups and opportunities become available. If you know of a valuable resource not listed here, please feel free to share it with us at info@youngstutterers.com. 



References


Daynes-Kearney, R., & Gallagher, S. (2023). Online Support Groups for Family Caregivers: Scoping review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25, e46858. https://doi.org/10.2196/46858


Gerlach, H., Hollister, J., Caggiano, L., Zebrowski, P. M. (2019). The utility of stuttering support organization conventions for young people who stutter. Journal of Fluency Disorders, 62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfludis.2019.105724 


Murgallis, T., Vitale, C., Tellis, G. M. (2015). Perceptions of persons who stutter before and after attending support group meetings. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 193, 202–208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.03.260 


Trichon, M., Tetnowski, J. (2011). Self-help conferences for people who stutter: A qualitative investigation. Journal of Fluency Disorders, 36(4), 290–295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfludis.2011.06.001 


Yaruss, J. S., Quesal, R. W., Reeves, L., Molt, L. F., Kluetz, B., Caruso, A. J., McClure, J. A., Lewis, F. (2002). Speech treatment and support group experiences of people who participate in the National Stuttering Association. Journal of Fluency Disorders, 27(2), 115–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0094-730x(02)00114-6 


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