Changing the future of stuttering care

University
Curtin University
Awards category
The Problem Solver Award
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For generations, many families were told stuttering was caused bynervousness, poor parenting or a lack of confidence. These misconceptionscreated stigma and left many people who stutter feeling misunderstood.

For more than 40 years, Professor Janet Beilby has worked to changethat.

After her own family's experience with stuttering, Professor Beilbyfounded the Curtin Stuttering Treatment Clinic, which has supported more than10,000 Australians and become the largest service of its kind in the southernhemisphere.

Her work has also contributed to a landmark international study thatidentified 48 genes linked to stuttering, providing the strongest evidence yetthat it has a biological basis.

By helping replace blame with understanding,Professor Beilby's work is improving support for people who stutter today whileopening the door to better diagnosis and care in the future.

The discovery that stuttering has a genetic cause is transforming how stuttering is understood, diagnosed, and treated. A play-based consultation - Miss Olive Vincent, and her Mum Ms Kaylee Vincent, with Curtin speech pathology student Ms Mia Raymond at the Curtin Stuttering Clinic.

Professor Janet Beilby listening to mother Karlee Vincent, is giving families answers they have sought for generations and ensuring children who stutter are understood, supported and able to reach their potential.

Professor Janet Beilby, Curtin Stuttering Clinic. The discovery that stuttering has a genetic basis is research that not only advances knowledge, it changes lives.

Professor Beilby has led the Australian efforts to embed new genetic understanding into everyday Australian clinical practice, supporting earlier identification of children at higher risk of persistent stuttering, more personalised care, evidence-based genetic counselling, and greater community understanding.

Professor Janet Beilby explains the genetic basis for stuttering to mother and daughter Kaylee and Olive Vincent, reassuring them that it is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a consequence of parenting or personality.

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