Kids and adults sought to help researchers investigate the role genetics play in causing a stutter

Researchers are looking to recruit children and adults to help with an international study that explores a link to four genes that may be linked to stuttering.

In the largest study of its kind international researchers, including experts from Queensland, will investigate the genetics of stuttering — with the hope of targeting the cause rather than just the symptoms.

In Australia, eight per cent of three-year-olds and 11 per cent of four-year-olds stutter and the speech problem impacts one in 100 adults.

The researchers need 3000 Australians who stutter to help search for the gene in human DNA that can cause the speech disorder.

Experts from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, US and The Netherlands are recruiting people aged seven and older who stutter, or have a history of stuttering, for the Genetics of Stuttering Study.

Hayley Rayner, 10, of Mount Gravatt East lives with a stutter and is participating in a clinical trial called the Genetics of Stuttering Study. Picture: David Clark

QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and Griffith University experts will join The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and the University of Melbourne in co-ordinating the global project’s Australian arm.

MCRI and the University of Melbourne Professor Angela Morgan said although the exact cause of stuttering was unknown, genetics have been found to play a role and researchers have identified four genes that may be linked to stuttering.

“Globally, one per cent of adults stutter and nearly 70 per cent of people who stutter report a family history of the disorder,” Professor Morgan said.

“Gender is one of the strongest predisposing factors for stuttering. Boys are two-to-five times more likely to stutter than girls, and they are also less likely to recover without therapy,” she said.

The QIMR Clive Berghofer Medical Research Institute at 300 Herston Rd, Herston. Picture: Attila Csaszar/AAP

Brisbane’s Hayley Rayner has had a stutter since she was able to talk.

The 10-year-old has taken part in the Lidcombe Program, a treatment for young children with the speech disorder.

“The program has made a huge difference to Hayley. She started as a five on the stutter scale which is from one to nine and is now down to a one. Hayley now can stand up and talk in the classroom and has not too much trouble,” mum Nicole said.

“There is no history of stuttering in our family that we know of,” she said.

To sign up for the study, visit geneticsofstutteringstudy.org.au or email [e-mail]

Stuttering statistics:

■ 8 per cent of Australians aged three stutter

■ 11 per cent of Australians aged 11 stutter

■ Stuttering impacts one in Aussie 100 adults

■ Boys more prone to stuttering

■ 70 per cent stutterers have family history