Speech Signals in Stuttering

The purpose of this research study is to understand how speech and language are processed in the brain. This study will provide information that may help with the understanding how speech and language are processed in children and whether there may be differences between children who stutter and children who do not stutter. This project will evaluate these neural processes for speech signals in children who stutter and control subjects through a battery of behavioral speech and language tests, electroencephalography-based (EEG) tasks, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and computational modeling.

Inclusion Criteria:Speaks English as primary languageLanguage abilities within the typical rangeCognitive abilities within the typical rangeNo contraindications for MRIInclusion criteria for children who stutter:Presence of developmental stuttering (onset in childhood)No history of other communication disorderInclusion criteria for children who do not stutter:No family history of stutteringNo history of other communication disorders (e.g., hearing impairment, language impairment, cognitive impairment/injury)Exclusion Criteria:Taking medication that alters neural functionCognitive skills below the typical rangeMajor medical illnessNot a fluent speaker of EnglishPregnant or possibly pregnantMetal implants in your body (including pacemakers, neurostimulators, or other metal objects)Shrapnel injuriesOcular foreign bodies (e.g., metal shavings)Metal piercings that cannot be removed for the scanTattoos containing iron or metal pigmentsProne to claustrophobiaFor fMRI, those with head circumference greater than 60cm or whose weight is more than 300 pounds will be excluded due to the size of the fMRI magnet bore