One of the core characteristics of stuttering is that it varies a great deal from context to context. When most people think about stuttering variability they think of overt stuttering; however, there is much more to stuttering than the overt behavior. Other aspects of stuttering, like anticipation, also vary a lot based on the context. In this talk, Dr. Arenas will discuss results from recent qualitative research studies investigating the experience of variability and anticipation. Discussion will center around how various aspects of variability relate to each other and how this can impact the lives of people who stutter. Practical suggestions for how to take variability into account clinically will be discussed.

Target Audience: Speech-Language Pathologists*, Researchers, Adults and Teens who Stutter

Bio: Rick Arenas, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the University of New Mexico. His primary area of research is developmental stuttering. In his early career he focused on the neurobiological mechanisms involved in the variability of stuttering across contexts. Recently, his research has transitioned toward the way people relate to their stuttering and how it plays a role in their personal narrative. He hopes that his work will help people live harmoniously with stuttering. He lives in the mountains of New Mexico where he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, hiking and playing disc golf.