blurts & blocks
research library
Explore our library of resources covering the latest findings in ADHD and stammering. This collection includes peer-reviewed papers, call-to-actions for research participants, and community-led studies.
fluency in ADHD
Studies examining speech disfluency and language production in ADHD populations. Findings show overlaps with stuttering phenomena. Engelhardt, P. E., Corley, M., & Nigg, J. T. (2011) Language Production in Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of Abnormal Psychology.
neural mechanisms
Research on shared brain systems evident in ADHD and stammering; notably, dopamine regulation and basal ganglia timing circuits. Alm, P. A. (2004) Stuttering and the Basal Ganglia Circuits. Journal of Communication Disorders.
attention and executive function
Research linking attention regulation, executive function and speech monitoring shared by both ADHD and stammering. Ofoe, L., Anderson, J., & Ntourou, K. (2018) Short-Term Memory, Attention, and Stuttering: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. Singer, C. M., et al. (2020) Attention and Speech-Language Dissociations Associated with Stuttering. Engelhardt, P. E., Nigg, J. T., & Ferreira, F. (2013) Executive Function and Language Production in Adult ADHD. Kazazi, F. (2023). Assessing Executive Function Impairments and Comorbidity between ADHD and Stuttering. Doctoral thesis, University College London. Horton, S. (2023). Executive Function, Stuttering Severity, and Subjective Impact of Stuttering in Adults. Doctoral thesis.
comorbidity research
Studies directly examining ADHD traits or diagnoses in people who stammer. Tichenor, S. E., et al. (2021) A Preliminary Investigation of ADHD Characteristics in Adults Who Stutter. Journal of Fluency Disorders. Measures ADHD symptom levels in adults who stutter. Davidson-Thompson, T. C. (2010). A Survey of Practice of Speech and Language Therapists Who Work with People Who Stutter. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia. Swartz, E. R. (2011). Coping with Stuttering. Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University. Donaher, J., & Richels, C. (2012) Traits of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in School-Age Children Who Stutter. Journal of Fluency Disorders.* * Childhood study but heavily cited in adult stuttering research on ADHD comorbidity.
medication effects on fluency and attention
Research on how ADHD medications influence speech fluency, plus how stimulant medication may interact with fluency mechanisms. Devroey, D., et al. (2012) Methylphenidate as a Treatment for Stuttering: A Case Report. European Journal of Medical Research. Healey, E. C., & Reid, R. (2003) ADHD and Stuttering: A Tutorial. Journal of Fluency Disorders.
call for participants
Dr Claire Norman-Maillet is currently looking for adults with both ADHD and a stammer, to complete a survey. Head to the Contact Us page if you're interested in participating, selecting "Take part in research" from the dropdown menu and you will be sent more information.