The Illinois International Stuttering Research Program

Development of Stuttering

The general objective of this project is to study the onset and subsequent developmental course of stuttering in children under age six. The specific objectives are to:

1. determine variations in onset and their possible effect on the future course of the disorder,
2. describe and quantify changes that occur in stuttering over time,
3. obtain data on the timing and magnitude of natural recovery,
4. identify factors that can influence the recovery and those that lead to chronic stuttering, and
5. identify means for making early prediction of the likelihood of chronic vs. transient stuttering.

The general investigation involves a wide range of testing of young children as close as possible to the onset of stuttering. This includes tests of speech, language, hearing, motor skills, intellectual functioning, and emotional reactions, as well as audio and video recordings, thorough case histories, and familial pedigrees. After initial testing we proceed with follow-ups every six months for a period of several years. Through this close monitoring, we document what happens to children who begin stuttering and generate criteria for risks. The National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders funded this project for more than 12 years.

Send questions and comments to:
Dr. Nicoline Ambrose
Stuttering Research Program
The Department of Speech and Hearing Science
901 S. Sixth St.
Champaign, IL 61820
Phone:217-333-2230