Translating recent research into meaningful clinical practice

The goal of this article is to provide a synopsis of research, both basic and applied, that can improve the evaluation and treatment of stuttering in children and adults, as well as counseling of clients, families, and other professionals who interact with the person who stutters. Relevant basic research has informed genetic contributions to stuttering and possible neurological substrates of the disorder. Several treatment approaches to stuttering have recently been published, with varying degrees of apparent efficacy. There has also been increased attention to therapeutic outcomes that go beyond the components of the specific therapies themselves, which have the potential to improve therapy outcomes.