A review of the article, Stuttering and Language Ability in Children: Questioning the Connection

This journal article discusses whether or not stuttering and language ability are linked. The study cites several other studies to support claims that language abilities are not linked to stuttering. It says that based on other studies, children who stutter (CWS) are not more likely to have disordered language skills, than children who do not stutter (CWNS). It claims that there is not sufficient evidence to state that language deficits have a role in stuttering and that stuttering does not restrict language development over time. The evidence from the studies shows that CWS show the same range of language abilities as CWNS and that stuttering does not affect language abilities or development. Instead, it suggests that people change their perceptions about stuttering and consider the possibility that CWS have issues with their motor control systems. It suggests the impairment deals with the child’s speech system, rather than the child’s linguistic system.  

Many studies have tried to prove a connection with stuttering and language ability, since stuttering usually develops during early language acquisition.  These studies have not provided convincing evidence to support that theory. Ultimately, this study’s aim was to provide evidence to question longstanding theories about stuttering and offer the possibility that it is based in a motor control deficit instead of a language ability deficit.

I found this article interesting, especially with viewing the video this week on Moodle. Many of those students couldn’t quite describe why they stutter, but they fully understand language and expressed their frustrations with their own stutter as well as frustrations with people’s reactions to stuttering. I would like to read more articles about stuttering that suggest theories or provide evidence outside of language ability deficits.

Nippold, M. A. (2012). Stuttering and language ability in children: questioning the connection. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 21(3), 183-196.