ABSTRACT
Stuttering is a speech disorder that has plagued mankind for thousands of years. From its earliest known depictions in ancient Egypt to the sophisticated technology of PET scans and fMRIs, the cause of this frustrating and potentially handicapping condition has remained elusive. Treatments for stuttering have had an equally long, frustrating, and, in many instances, tragic history (Bobrick, 1996; Van Riper, 1973). Although researchers have studied a multitude of factors believed to either cause or aid in the resolution of stuttering, very little attention has been given to the role that self-help groups or consumer-based support organizations play in improving the lives of those affected by stuttering. In addition, the relationship between the professional community and such groups appears to be undervalued, and therefore has not been studied. In this chapter, I will suggest that the future of effective long term stuttering treatment as well as sustained scientific investigation into the etiology of stuttering may lie not only in a better understanding of self-help groups, but also in the dynamic of their relationship with professionals.
