Research Center: The University of Delaware
Location: 100 Discovery Blvd. Room 511 Tower at STAR. Newark, DE 19713
Lead Researchers: Dr. Ho Ming Chow, PhD and Dr. Evan Usler, PhD
IRB: This study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Delaware Institutional Review Board

Did you know that understanding the neurological and genetic factors behind stuttering can help reduce the stigma children who stutter face daily? This study aims to uncover these factors, paving the way for better support and awareness for children who stutter. By participating, your child could contribute to groundbreaking research that seeks to create a more inclusive and understanding environment for all.
Researchers from the University of Delaware are looking for children who stutter to join a research study. Your child’s involvement could be the key to unlocking new insights and fostering a more supportive community for children who stutter. Help make a difference today!

Please note that parental consent is needed for participants under the age of 18 to participate in this study.

• Participants will be compensated up to a maximum of $300 for participating in this study. Compensation will be dependent on involvement.
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit people who stutter in the future.
• Participants will help advance medical research.

• If you or your child decide to participate in the study and later feel that you or your child no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you or your child provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your or your child’s health as it relates to the study.

• Children aged between 6 and 13 years old who currently stutter
• Must have parental consent if under the age of 18.
• Must have typical hearing and vision or corrected to normal vision (glasses)
• Must have English as a primary language
• Must not have any neurological problems or psychiatric illnesses (such as tremors, seizures, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, ataxia, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, or post-traumatic stress disorder)
• Must not have ever lost consciousness or fainted
• Must not be taking any other medications that affect brain behavior (prescription or over-the-counter)
• Must not have braces or any dental prosthesis or appliances, tattoos, piercings that cannot be easily removed, or any metal objects in their body (metal cavity fillings are okay), and must not feel anxious in close, tight spaces
• Must not have any significant developmental delays or speech-language difficulties (other than stuttering)
• Must be able to attend study visits at the research site over approximately 1-4 weeks

The study team will explain the research in its entirety but some details are:

• Participants will typically be involved in 2-4 sessions (~4-8 hours) at the research site at the University of Delaware STAR campus. Typically, each session is about 2 hours. Every effort will be made to complete study tasks in a timely manner.
• Participation will include 2 visits. Visit 1 is done In person, and takes approximately 2 hours. It will also include consenting and assent if not done on the phone, parent surveys, and behavioral testing with video recording. Visit 2  includes an MRI brain scan.
• Participants may also take part in additional visits (These can be done via Zoom or in person and will take approximately 1-4 hours. This includes additional testing and surveys.

The University of Delaware
The Delaware Stuttering Project through the University of Delaware Health aims to conduct behavioral, psychological, neuroimaging, and genetic research studies to gain a better understanding about developmental stuttering. Our long-term goal is to develop neuroscience-based treatment approaches to increase the well-being of people who stutter.

Please note:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers would like to assure the participants that ensuring their/their child’s and the research staff’s safety is of utmost importance.