Understanding and Supporting Students Who Stutter: A Guide for Special Educators

Abstract

Stuttering is a common disorder addressed by speech-language pathologists in elementary schools. Although students who stutter likely receive specialized services from speech-language pathologists, other school personnel, including special and general educators, play a key role in creating supportive and positive learning environments for these students. Most special education teachers, however, receive little or no information about stuttering. Yet, because special educators collaborate and consult regularly with general educators, they are well positioned to communicate essential information about supports that can be provided. Increased understanding of stuttering and techniques for supporting students can greatly minimize the negative outcomes experienced by many students who stutter. This article provides teachers with (a) information about stuttering to improve understanding of the disorder, (b) guidance on how to provide classroom and student-level supports to create a positive learning environment for students who stutter, and (c) recommendations for collaborating with speech-language pathologists.