New Discoveries in Speech Science

At the forefront of the fight against stuttering are researchers like Dr. Shahriar SheikhBahaei, a dedicated assistant professor at SUNY Stony Brook University. During the STARS (Stuttering Treatment and Research Society) Inaugural Education and Research Conference held in Dana Point, California, on September 13, 2025, SheikhBahaei shared exciting new insights that could reshape our understanding of stuttering's neurobiological roots.

The Complexity of Speech Production

Dr. SheikhBahaei, who personally experiences stuttering, explained the intricate ballet of more than 100 muscles required for speech production. "Speech is a very complex motor behavior," he revealed in an exclusive interview with Psychiatric Times. He elaborated that advances in animal models have revolutionized the field, granting scientists the ability to probe cellular and circuit-level processes responsible for speech. This research illuminates the critical roles of both inhibitory and excitatory brain circuits in our ability to communicate.

Dopamine's Role in Speech

A particular point of interest is the neurochemical dopamine, which is vital for both movement and learning. "Dopamine has been taught to be important for speech," Dr. SheikhBahaei stated. Areas of the brain rich in dopamine are closely tied to our vocal behaviors, indicating that this neurotransmitter might play a crucial role in addressing stuttering.

Breathing and Speech: A Coordinated Effort

SheikhBahaei also spotlighted the essential link between speech and breathing. He pointed out that, with few exceptions, most species—including humans—produce meaningful sounds only during exhalation. Studies reveal that abnormalities in respiratory circuits are prevalent in both animal models and human subjects who stutter, hinting that the coordination between these critical systems is often disrupted.

Understanding Why Some Children Outgrow Stuttering

One of the greatest mysteries tackled at the conference is why some children outgrow stuttering while others do not. SheikhBahaei noted that around 1% of the population struggles with this speech impediment, translating to nearly 80 million people worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that disruptions in the development of motor circuits that govern breathing and vocalization may contribute to the persistence of stuttering in some.

The Link Between Anxiety and Stuttering

Finally, SheikhBahaei explored the complex relationship between stuttering and anxiety. "Existing data shows that people who stutter are not necessarily more anxious—but anxiety can exacerbate stuttering," he explained. The rapid-fire brain activity required for fluent speech suggests that even minor disruptions can trigger stuttering episodes, particularly in anxious individuals.

A Promising Future for Stuttering Research

As researchers like Dr. SheikhBahaei continue to uncover the neurological foundations of stuttering, the hope for more effective treatment options grows brighter. The insights shared at the STARS conference are set to pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in understanding and addressing this complex speech disorder.