Become an Ally of Stuttering®

An accessible program for the generalist SLP to learn more about stuttering and people who stutter.

What is an
Ally of Stuttering®?

The concept of allyship is prevalent in many minority communities, and ally is often used as someone who aligns with and supports a cause with another individual or group of people. Spero's Ally of Stuttering seal for speech-language pathologists (SLP) denotes that we align with and support personas who stutter, specifically by taking responsibility and initiative for educating ourselves about stuttering, helping raise awareness and reduce negative stereotypes about stuttering, and working alongside people who stutter to promote participation in the their lives to the fullest.

Are you a speech-language pathologist wanting to prioritize stuttering as an area of professional growth post graduate school?

Apply to become an Ally of Stuttering® slp

Download Ally of Stuttering® Brochure

1 minute video

Scope of Ally of Stuttering® Seal

Most speech-language pathologists (SLPs) enter the field as generalists, with limited expertise and experience in treating stuttering and cluttering. Research consistently demonstrates that even experienced SLPs often rank stuttering as a low-preference area and report significant discomfort and inadequacy in treating it (Santus, Tellis, & Kong, 2019; Tellis, Bressler, & Emerick, 2008; Yaruss, Coleman, & Quesal, 2012; Yaruss et al., 2017). This challenge is further evidenced through our professional experiences and family testimonials, which reveal many SLPs providing stuttering therapy do so with limited training and low confidence levels.

The Ally of Stuttering® seal addresses this critical gap between practice requirements and clinical preparation. It provides generalist SLPs with a structured training pathway to deepen their understanding of stuttering and cluttering, connect with people who stutter and clutter, and utilize evidence-based therapy approaches. The seal distinguishes SLPs who have demonstrated both a particular interest in stuttering/cluttering and completed specialized training beyond their graduate studies. Furthermore, it identifies practitioners committed to regular, ongoing professional development specifically focused on stuttering and cluttering.
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While the seal does not guarantee service quality, it serves as a valuable indicator for families and individuals seeking treatment. Given that many families must make therapy decisions with limited information, knowing their SLP has pursued advanced training beyond that of a generalist can be a meaningful differentiator in their selection process.

What does the Ally of Stuttering® designation mean?

It is an acknowledgment of involvement within the stuttering community via conference(s) and/or camp(s) and/or support group(s) for people who stutter and clutter.

It is an acknowledgment of active and intentional training obtained by the generalist SLP in the area of stuttering and cluttering.

It is an acknowledgment of a commitment to continued training in the area of stuttering and cluttering.

It is not a replacement for obtaining specialty certification and does not assure the specialist designation (BCS-SCF).

It is not an endorsement of quality of services provided.

It is not a designation of effective clinical practice.

Seal Requirements

SLP must hold Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) and state licensure (if state licensure required in SLP’s state of residence).
Obtain 10 continuing education or professional development hours in stuttering or cluttering from current, evidence-based sources.
Obtain experiential knowledge and connection with people who stutter or clutter by attending a reputable conference, convention, or camp for people who stutter and clutter, or participate in regional/local self-help groups or an organized event in the stuttering/cluttering community.
After meeting initial requirements and receiving Ally of Stuttering® seal, the Ally of Stuttering® SLP must obtain 5 continuing education or professional development hours yearly to maintain designation.
The Ally of Stuttering® seal carries no cost. It is not a certification but rather a designation that allows the generalist SLP to demonstrate increased interest and training in stuttering and cluttering.

Apply to Become an Ally of Stuttering® slp

Download Ally of Stuttering® Brochure

Testimonial from a Caregiver who found an Ally of Stuttering® SLP

"My son has received speech therapy through the school district and private therapy for stuttering. After several years of speech therapy in his elementary school, we sought out private therapy for various reasons, one of which was the lack of knowledge and understanding of stuttering. My son was still frustrated with his stuttering.

The private therapist we found had quite a bit more training and knowledge in the area of stuttering, and receiving this therapy has increased my son’s confidence level in himself, as well as how he communicates at school. He now reaches out to teachers, informs them of his stutter, educates them on stuttering, and what is helpful and not helpful when he stutters. He is more at ease with presentations and has learned how to advocate for himself. He learned that stuttering is okay and that there is nothing wrong with him. Our well-trained therapist also connected us to resources available not only in our area but also nationwide."

Kristine B, mother to a child who stutters

Support the Stuttering Community

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of individuals who stutter? Do you believe in the power of advocacy, education, and support?

Welcome to Spero Stuttering, Inc. – a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the stuttering landscape for the better. We invite you to join us on this journey by subscribing to our emails.

Stand with us to transform lives for people who stutter. Your support can help create a world of understanding, where every voice is heard and valued. Together, we can turn compassion into action and empower individuals to speak with confidence and dignity. Your contribution today makes a difference!