Stuttering

A speech disorder characterized by involuntary disruptions in the flow of speech, including repetitions of sounds, syllables, or words (e.g., "w-w-water"), prolongations of sounds (e.g., "sssssnake"), and blocks where airflow is stopped and no sound is produced. Stuttering affects over 70 million people worldwide across all cultures, languages, and demographics. The condition can have profound personal and professional impacts, including anxiety, stigma, discrimination in employment, and reduced self-esteem. There is no known cure, though speech therapy can help manage symptoms. Many people who stutter develop avoidance behaviours such as word substitution, circumlocution, or avoiding speaking situations altogether.