Stuttering and Neurodiversity Across the Lifespan: A Moveable Feast.

PURPOSE: This viewpoint explores the idea that a neurodiversity-affirming social model and a medical model of stuttering health care are not mutually exclusive. In all cases, they should be used in combination. For any client, the only way to attain an optimal clinical outcome is to apply a combined medical and social health care perspective. The two models have a changing contribution across the lifespan, according to the client's requirements, age, and presenting complaints and the viability of neuroplastic change of the speech mechanism.

CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of neurodiversity applied to stuttering are a "feast" that is "moveable" according to the developmental stage of stuttering and the personal needs of clients. A less flexible view of the matter may prevent the best treatment outcome for clients. In the case of early stuttering, an inflexible approach may cause serious, long-term harm to children.