How Variability Is Addressed in Interventions for Neurodiverse Conditions: Implications for Stuttering

This scoping review aimed to investigate strategies from peer-reviewed literature for addressing behavioral and experiential variability in neurodiverse conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mood disorders, and Tourette syndrome. Specifically, we explored how approaches used with other conditions could be adapted to better account for variability in the assessment and treatment of stuttering.

A comprehensive search of Google Scholar, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published between 2000 and March 2025, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Fifty-five studies met inclusion criteria by describing methods for measuring or managing variability across situations, across tasks, or over time. A narrative synthesis was used to analyze and interpret findings.

Key strategies for addressing variability in assessment included real-time data collection through ecological momentary assessment and contextual analysis using tailored rating scales. Key strategies for managing variability included personalized treatment, adaptive treatment models, cognitive therapy techniques, environmental modifications, and psychoeducation. These methods hold potential for improving the evaluation and management of variability within the population of individuals who stutter.

Adapting strategies from other neurodiverse conditions to stuttering has the potential to offer benefits such as improved measurement of variability and more personalized interventions. This review emphasizes the value of cross-disciplinary approaches to enhance quality of life for those who stutter.