Hello reddit! I’m Shelly Jo Kraft, an Assistant Professor at Wayne State University. My research focuses on the biological and behavioral genetics of stuttering. I also work on studies that investigate neuro-anatomical and functional features of people who stutter, auditory feedback mechanisms of speech control, and new genetic analysis techniques for modeling epigenetic complexity. Clinically, I am interested in the relationship between cognition, temperament, and stuttering severity. Stuttering is a developmental speech disorder that affects 1% of the adult population, and 5-6% of the child population world-wide. To date, the genes responsible for the disorder have yet to be conclusively identified in the general population. Only a small number of studies have been conducted on the genetic susceptibility of this disorder. I am leading a new study, to discover more about the genes and biological mechanisms that increase risk of stuttering. To identify the these genes, we are working to collect as many saliva samples as possible from people around the world who stutter. I can answer any questions you might have about developmental stuttering, how we know it is genetic, and about participating in the study. If you want to participate, the first step is to read and fill out these forms about the study. Next, we will schedule a short phone call interview with me or another qualified speech and language pathologist. After that, we will mail you a saliva collection kit and a very brief questionnaire. Our understanding of the cause of stuttering will potentially provide a foundation for new treatment approaches. Please join me in this international effort! Thank you so much for your excellent questions! I really appreciated your enthusiasm for this exciting area of research, and your support for our study. I would also like to thank everyone who shared a personal anecdote of their experience as a person who stutters. I will try to come back later tonight to check in and answer any additional questions that come in. Thanks again!! https://waynestate.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_022IaHz6j23fGex .