About Special Interest Group 4, Fluency and Fluency Disorders

Vision

The ASHA SIG on Fluency and Fluency Disorders is a nationally recognized authority providing evidence-based education and resources to help speech-language pathologists achieve excellence in assessment and intervention for people with fluency disorders across the lifespan.

Mission

To provide speech-language pathologists with evidence-based resources and education that (a) facilitate understanding of fluency disorders and (b) promote accurate and effective intervention for people with fluency disorders.
To support new and ongoing research on the nature, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of fluency disorders.
To have a positive impact on the quality of life for people with fluency disorders through advocacy and public education.

Study and Professional Issues

Study Issues

Defining, identifying, and measuring fluency disorders
Research needs and methodologies for basic and applied research
Early intervention for the pre-school age child and family
Treatment efficacy and effectiveness for children and adults with fluency disorders
Special topics such as counseling, transfer, follow-up, and measurement of progress
Innovations in school intervention programs
Multi-dimensionality factors associated with fluency disorders
Multicultural and multilingual variables that influence assessment, diagnosis and treatment practices

Professional Issues

Educating and training researchers and clinicians
Promoting clinical certification standards related to professional training
Educating the public
Discussing pathway for specialty certification in fluency
Sponsoring the discussion of controversial issues
Supporting and encouraging the development of new instrumentation in assessment and intervention
Promoting the publication of a broad range of information needed by professionals in a variety of work settings (school clinicians, laboratory researchers, university professors, etc.)
Supporting interprofessional education and collaboration
Supporting self-help and consumer groups
Discussing avenues for funding of clinical developments and research

Help shape future developments in these and other areas of activity. The ultimate objectives of the SIG will be determined by its affiliates.

Affiliate Benefits and SIG Programs

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups is the online peer-reviewed scholarly review journal of the SIGs. SIG 4 offers new self-study CE activities through Perspectives each year.

Continuing Education

Earn ASHA continuing education units (CEUs) through

Self-study of Perspectives and pay the lowest processing fee to take the learning assessments
SIG sponsored Master Classes and one-hour sessions at the annual ASHA Convention

Networking

SIG 4 Affiliates have access to exclusive discussion forums/groups, which provide the opportunity to interact with other SIG Affiliates who share interest in fluency and fluency disorders. Use ASHA's Member Directory to search for individuals by SIG affiliation. In addition, SIG 4 Affiliates can meet in person and online at an ASHA and SIG 4 sponsored events; typically each SIG hosts an Affiliates meeting at Convention and sponsors a virtual open house.

Representation Within ASHA

The SIG 4 Coordinator represents the Special Interest Group on Fluency and Fluency Disorders within the ASHA Board of Special Interest Group Coordinators.
The Coordinating Committee responds to ASHA requests for input regarding policy, guidelines, committees, and other issues.
Affiliates have the opportunity to provide input to the SIG leadership and ASHA.

Additional Resources

Learn about clinical specialty certification or visit the American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders website
ASHA Brochure on Childhood Stuttering
ASHA Fluency Disorders Evidence Map
ASHA Practice Portal on Fluency Disorders
Consumer Information: Stuttering
ICF Handouts

Fluency Bank

Coordinating Committee Members

2024–2026 Coordinator: James V Panico, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
2024–2026 Associate Coordinator: Derek E Daniels, Wayne State University
2024–2026 Editor: Jean Sawyer, Illinois State University
2023–2025 Professional Development Manager: Jennifer L. Kleinow, La Salle University
2023–2025 Member-at-Large: Jessica Dailey, The Stuttering Clinic at National Therapy Center
2024–2026 Member-at-Large: Laura B Overton, Fort Worth Independent School District
Ex Officio: Diane Paul, Senior Director, Clinical Issues in Speech-Language Pathology, ASHA