Want to participate?
Become a brain scientist!
The University of Michigan Speech Neurophysiology Lab studies the neural bases of stuttering, meaning our research looks at how the brain functions differently in developmental stuttering. Stuttering affects approximately 1% of the general population and 5% of preschool-aged children. The cause of stuttering remains unknown, and treatment options are limited.
Research will help us better understand the cause(s) of stuttering and why it persists in some people. It could also pave the way for new stuttering treatments in the future.
We are recruiting future brain scientists to participate in our research studies as we investigate stuttering and its mechanisms. Check out our research page to learn the science behind each study, and read below to learn how you or your child can get involved in brain science!
Research studies for children who stutter
We enroll children who stutter and children who do not stutter in our research. All studies include parent/child surveys, comprehensive speech and language testing, and computerized tasks that are fun for children to complete.
Children who participate in our research typically also complete non-invasive brain activity recordings using electroencephalography (EEG) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Studies typically require 2 visits, and our MRI studies involve yearly assessments for 3 years. Participants also receive photos of their brain!
Eligibility
Children who currently stutter or have never stuttered
Between the ages of 6 and 13
English as primary language
No other speech, language, cognitive, or hearing disorders
Compensation
Families will receive:
a free speech and language report
compensation for study activities (varies by study; contact us for details)
partial travel assistance
Speech Processing in Stuttering (SPINS)
For this research study, participants perform speaking and listening tasks on two separate visits. Activities can be completed at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor or at Michigan State University in East Lansing.
Eligibility
Adults or children who currently stutter or have never stuttered
Between the ages of 6 and 65
Fluent in English
Have no other speech, language, cognitive, or hearing disorders
Compensation
Participants are compensated $50 per visit.
Ready to participate, or have a question?
To get started, please fill out our brief form so we can learn more about which study (or studies) you're interested in. The form should only take a minute to complete, and once you submit it, a member of our lab will be in touch soon.
Alternatively, you may reach out to us via email, call, or text. We're happy to answer any questions you have about our studies.
Email: cwsbrains@umich.edu
Call or Text: (734) 926-8775
Our lab is located at: Rachel Upjohn Building, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor MI, 48109