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Catherine Theys, Ph.D., Professor at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, joins host Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, to discuss acquired stuttering, including both neurogenic stuttering and functional stuttering. Drawing on her clinical and research expertise, Dr. Theys provides an overview of acquired stuttering, different subtypes, and how it differs from developmental stuttering in terms of etiology, presentation, and experiences. The conversation explores assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment considerations, including the unique challenges faced by individuals who develop stuttering later in life. Dr. Theys also shares insights from the research literature, highlighting the need for more systematic investigation in this area and discussing projects her lab is pursuing to advance our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying acquired stuttering and improve clinical assessment and intervention. Throughout the episode, listeners gain practical guidance for evaluating and supporting individuals with acquired stuttering while developing a deeper understanding of this less frequently discussed area of stuttering research and clinical practice.

Resources for further learning:

• Theys & Fairbairn (in press). Acquired stuttering: recent developments. In: The Routledge International Handbook of Stuttering. Howell & Gattie (Eds.). Routledge International Handbook of Stuttering.
• Grout-Brown & Theys (2025). Assessment and treatment of acquired stuttering: A single subject study. Journal of Fluency Disorders, 84, 106121.
• Theys, Jaakkola, Melzer, De Nil, Guenther, Cohen, Fox & Joutsa (2024). Localisation of stuttering based on causal brain lesions. Brain, 147(6), 2203-13.
• Gooch, Melzer, Horne, Grenfell, Livingston, Pitcher, Dalrymple-Alford, Anderson, McAuliffe and Theys (2024). Higher frequency of stuttered disfluencies negatively affects communicative participation in Parkinson's disease. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 67(10), 3631-42.
• Gooch, Horne, Melzer, McAuliffe, MacAskill, Dalrymple-Alford, Anderson & Theys (2023). Acquired Stuttering in Parkinson's Disease. Movement Disorders Clinical Practice, 10(6), 956-966.
• Theys & Tetnowski (2023). Case reports of acquired stuttering. In: Case Reports in Stuttering and Cluttering. Eggers & Leahy (Eds.), pgs. 114-123. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
• Theys & De Nil (2022). Acquired stuttering: etiology, symptomatology, identification and treatment. In: Stuttering: Characteristics, Assessment and Treatment (4th ed.). Zebrowski, Anderson & Conture (Eds.), 33 pgs. Thieme Publishers.
• De Nil, Theys & Jokel (2018). Stroke-related acquired neurogenic stuttering. In: Aphasia Rehabilitation: Clinical Challenges. Coppens, P. & Patterson, J. (Eds.), pgs. 173-202. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Theys, van Wieringen, Sunaert, Thijs & De Nil (2011). A one-year prospective study of neurogenic stuttering following stroke: Incidence and co-occurring disorders. Journal of Communication Disorders, 44, 678-687.
• Theys, van Wieringen, Tuyls & De Nil (2009). Acquired stuttering in a 16-year-old boy. Journal of Neurolinguistics, 22, 427-435.
• Theys, van Wieringen & De Nil (2008). A clinician survey of speech and non-speech characteristics of neurogenic stuttering. Journal of Fluency Disorders, 33, 1-23.

Bio: Catherine Theys is a Professor at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. She trained in Speech-Language Therapy and Audiology at KU Leuven (Belgium), where she also completed her PhD in Biomedical Sciences. Her research seeks to advance understanding of speech and language difficulties by integrating behavioural and neuroimaging approaches. Her key research interests include developmental and acquired stuttering, acquired neurogenic communication disorders, and the neuroscience of speech and language.

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Gina Waggott, author of Scatman John: The Remarkable Story of the World’s Unlikeliest Popstar, joins host Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF, for a conversation exploring the life, legacy, stuttering journey, and lasting impact of Scatman John. The discussion explores how Scatman John’s visibility, openness, and mentorship profoundly shaped Gina’s relationship with stuttering and ultimately inspired her to write his biography. She also shares more about the process of researching and writing the book, including conducting more than 100 interviews to better understand John Larkin not simply as a pop culture figure, but as a musician, mentor, and role model whose message continues to resonate with new generations of people who stutter today.

Scatman John: The Remarkable Story of the World’s Unlikeliest Popstar

More on Scatman John on the Stuttering Foundation's Website

Gina Waggott is a writer, editor, and former BBC professional with a background spanning broadcasting, journalism, and disability advocacy. She is a covert stutterer trying to be more overt, and has been involved in the stuttering community for 25 years. She is currently the Finance & Operations Manager at 50 Million Voices.

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Susan Hamilton Burleigh, M.A., CCC-SLP, joins host Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, to explore how clinicians, particularly those newer to working with stuttering, can bring Stuttering Foundation resources to life in everyday therapy. Susan brings over 40 years of experience in private practice specializing in stuttering and fluency disorders and has taught and supervised graduate training in stuttering at the University of Washington. She also co-led the Stuttering Foundation’s Western Workshop for two decades alongside Marilyn Langevin and Jennifer Watson.

In this practical, clinician-focused episode, Susan and Sara take the “What’s True For You” activity from The School-Age Child Who Stutters: Working Effectively with Attitudes and Emotions Workbook and walk through how it can be used, expanded, and adapted to support meaningful therapy. Through discussion and a demonstration role-play, they highlight how the activity can help build rapport, deepen understanding of a child’s unique experiences, and guide next steps in therapy.