Is stammering genetic?

Genes are certainly thought to play a part in stammering but research tells us that there is no single cause of stammering. Research studies have not identified a particular gene involved in stammering, and it is thought that a number of genes may be involved, which also interact with other factors, such as the child's environment.

Stammering is a complex speech condition that is thought to involve a combination of factors, including: 

• Genes: Research has shown that having a family member with a stammer makes it more likely that a child will develop a stammer.
• Sex: It is thought that boys are more likely to stammer than girls, although it may also be that a stammer sounds different in girls and impacts on girls differently.
• Brain processes: Brain scans have indicated that people who stammer show differences in the way the brain: plans to speak, plans muscle movements for speaking and even how the brain hears speaking.
• Language skills: Where a child has difficulties finding the words they need and organising these words when they speak, it can make it more difficult to speak smoothly.

It is important to note that no one factor will cause a child to start stammering. It will always be a mix of factors that are individual to each child.