Study Reveals Genes Responsible For Stuttering, Could Be Similar To Those Causing Autism, Depression

An analysis of genetic data of more than a million people has revealed genes responsible for stuttering and could be similar to those causing autism, depression and impaired music abilities.

- Press Trust Of India

Researchers from universities and '23andMe’, a genetics research company, in the US found 57 distinct points on a chromosome -- which carries genes -- that were associated with stuttering, a speech disorder marked by repetition in words and syllables, prolonged sounds and frequent breaks between words.

The findings, published in the journal Nature Genetics, could help develop methods for an early identification and treatments for stuttering, the team said.

"There have been hundreds of years of misconceptions about what causes stuttering -- from ideas about left-handedness to childhood trauma to overbearing mothers. Rather than being caused by personal or familial failings or intelligence, our study shows that stuttering is influenced by our genes,” author Jennifer (Piper) Below, director of the Vanderbilt Genetics Institute at Vanderbilt University, US, said.