Facts About Stuttering

Estimated Number of those who stutter: 66 Million World Wide, 3.3 Million in the United States.

Stuttering consists of repetitions or prolongations of sounds, syllables, or words, or frequent, unusual hesitations and pauses that disrupt the flow of speech. The severity of the problem varies from situation to situation and is most severe when there is special pressure to communicate, as during a job interview. Moderate to severe cases often include fearful anticipation of stuttering with avoidance of particular sounds, words or situations in which stuttering is anticipated. In addition, there may be eye blinks, tics, tremors of the lip or jaw, or jerking of the head. Often stuttering limits occupational choice and job advancement, and can severely restrict one's social life.

Stuttering has been with us since people first began to talk. The problem is world wide, and occurs in all language groups. It has generated its own myths and superstitions, yet its cause remains a mystery. For most of this century, experts believed that stuttering. had psychological roots. The physical act of stuttering, they said, was just the tip of the iceberg, and the stutterer had to deal with the shame and guilt beneath the surface before the problem could be resolved. Counseling, acceptance of the problem, and traditional speech therapies were common treatments. Famous Stutterers include: Aristotle, Charles Darwin, Moses, Marylin Monroe & Isaac Newton. Since the early 1970's research at HCRI has revealed that most people could be "retaught" to speak fluently and that stuttering happens in your muscles, not your mind. It is this continuing research that has been refined into the world's leading treatment, The Hollins Fluency System™, with patented software specifically designed to help produce the 90% success rate of the participants who complete the HCRI program.

Along with psychologists, speech pathologists and professional support personnel that staff the Institute, effective research is made better with today's computers. Computers that listen and provide immediate and accurate feedback while collecting important scientific data that can truly be measured and documented. Consistent long term follow ups with our clients continue to define the development and direction of our research and treatment system.

At HCRI, thousands upon thousands have completed our therapy program, and we remain committed to developing and to providing the most efficient and effective therapy program available anywhere for individuals who stutter. Click here for the answers to some frequently asked questions about attending our therapy program.Click here to apply to HCRI. Click here to ask a question.