The University of Iowa is a pioneer in the field of Speech-Language Pathology. Much of what is known about stuttering—and therapies for helping people who stutter—originated here, under the guidance of Dr. Wendell Johnson (1906-1965).

Today, the UI Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic offers stutter affirming services for people who stutter and their families.

Clinical educator Dr. Anu Subramanian works closely with University of Iowa's researcher in stuttering, Dr. Naomi Rodgers. Their collaboration is meaningful for clinical services, student education, and research. Dr. Rodgers also leads the local National Stuttering Association meetings in Iowa City.

Treatment

A variety of clinical models may be used in speech therapy based on individualized goals. Therapy can focus on both modifying speech behaviors to make the observable speech behaviors more easy to enhance forward-flowing speech and the thoughts and feelings underlying stuttering. For many people who stutter, communication may be more impacted by their thoughts, feelings, and fears related to stuttering rather than the speech behavior themselves. Therapy sessions will focus on the goals of the client following a thorough evaluation and discussion. 

Individual as well as group sessions are available for children and adults throughout the calendar year. Intensive treatment options are also provided as appropriate, including teletherapy services for individuals who do not live in the immediate vicinity of Iowa City or for clients who have work and other schedule conflicts which necessitate a more flexible therapy arrangement.

A summer program (UI Shine) for kids and teens who stutter is a valuable opportunity to build communicative confidence and self-advocacy skills.