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Neural Mechanisms of Speech Motor Inhibition in Stuttering

Award Number: F31DC023765
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/30/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 09/29/2027

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Neural Mechanisms of Speech Motor Inhibition in Stuttering - Project Abstract Developmental stuttering is a neurodevelopmental speech disorder that affects approximately 5–8% of children, with many continuing to stutter into adulthood. One of the most clinically impactful features of stuttering is the sudden inability to initiate speech, often described as being “stuck.” Emerging evidence suggests that this disruption may reflect inappropriate engagement of motor inhibition mechanisms. In particular, the basal ganglia– thalamocortical (BGTC) loops, including the hyperdirect and indirect pathways, are thought to support different forms of inhibitory control, but their roles in stuttering remain poorly understood. The goal of this project is to determine whether motor inhibition circuits are engaged during both the voluntary inhibition of speech initiation and moments of stuttering. This study uses a novel design and utilizes high- resolution fMRI and EEG, in separate sessions, to examine neural activity in key regions implicated in inhibitory control (pre-SMA, rIFG, and STN). A participant-tailored stop-signal task will be used to elicit both the voluntary inhibition of speech initiation and moments of stuttering in the same individuals. Two primary aims will be addressed: (1) to identify shared and distinct neural markers of voluntary inhbition of speech initiation and stuttering, and (2) to assess whether individual differences in these neural responses predict stuttering frequency, anticipation, and psychosocial impact. By directly linking neural dynamics to real-world stuttering behaviors and experiences, this project advances mechanistic understanding of speech motor inhibition and its dysregulation in stuttering. Findings will clarify the contributions of the indirect and hyperdirect pathways to speech inhibition and lay the foundation for individualized and targeted interventions. Results may also inform broader models of motor control and inhibition, with potential relevance for related disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $47,226 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE	550 S COLLEGE AVE	NEWARK	DE	19713	NEW CASTLE	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	1	4/9/2026	NEW	$47,226
														Subtotal = $47,226

Grand Total All Awards = $47,226

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Neural Mechanisms of Speech Motor Inhibition in Stuttering

Award Number: F31DC023765

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/30/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 09/29/2027

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