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STARS Conference: A Milestone in Stuttering Treatment

The Stuttering Treatment and Research Society (STARS) has made significant strides by successfully hosting its first annual Research & Education Conference on September 13, 2025. This groundbreaking event was held at The Ritz-Carlton, located in Laguna Niguel, California, bringing together healthcare professionals committed to enhancing knowledge in the field of stuttering treatment.

This conference, jointly sponsored by Saint Louis University School of Medicine, was designed specifically for Continuing Medical Education (CME) and catered to a diverse group of licensed healthcare professionals. Among those in attendance were physicians, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and nurses—all dedicated to exploring the complexities of stuttering through scientific inquiry.

A Vision for Stuttering Treatment

STARS was founded with a mission to tackle the underlying causes of stuttering. Dr. Gerald A. Maguire, the organization’s president and founder, stated, "We launched STARS to tackle stuttering at its roots through rigorous neuroscience and collaborative care." The enthusiasm around the conference was palpable, showcasing a promising future for the organization, specifically with a reported attendance of approximately 60 healthcare professionals for the daytime conference and around 100 participants for the evening celebration.

Keynote Insights

The conference featured a series of impactful presentations. The opening keynote was delivered by Dr. Maguire himself, followed by a host of experts including Dr. Shahriar SheikhBahaei, who spoke on the neurobiological aspects of stuttering, and Dr. Gonçalo Leal, who highlighted the technological advancements in the assessment of stuttering. Attendees were also introduced to findings on the genetic co-morbidities associated with stuttering by Dr. Shelly Jo Kraft, alongside a presentation on new discoveries in the genetics of stuttering by Dr. Dillon Pruett.

Discussions on the physician’s role in diagnosing and treating stuttering were led by esteemed experts Dr. Yoshikazu Kikuchi, Dr. Tiago Proença Santos, Dr. Kevin Mays, and Dr. Alberto Acuña. The collaboration among these professionals underscores STARS’ ambitions to elevate treatment modalities and research practices.

The Bo Jackson Effect

The event culminated in a post-conference celebration featuring renowned former athlete Bo Jackson, who shared his personal experience with stuttering. His heartfelt account resonated with attendees, as he reflected on his struggles and resilience in the public eye. “I’m more comfortable speaking to all of you than I was sitting on a bench, because I see people here who are exactly like me,” Jackson expressed. His presence served as a testament to the need for continued efforts in stuttering research and treatment.

The Future Ahead

As STARS moves forward, it aims to gather more comprehensive data and provide greater access to evidenced-based treatments for those affected by stuttering. Dr. Maguire's leadership, in conjunction with a volunteer board made up of professionals—including individuals who stutter themselves—positions STARS as a pioneering force in this domain.

Officially launched in January 2025, following a generous $10 million donation, STARS' mission to uncover the neurologic causes of stuttering continues to be at the forefront of its agenda. As they transition from promise to progress, the excitement and optimism surrounding the potential breakthroughs in stuttering treatment appear limitless.

For more information on STARS and its initiatives, please visit their official channels and stay updated on upcoming events. Together, with the support of dedicated professionals and advocates, a future without the barriers of stuttering seems within reach.