GSHA's November 2025 Continuing Education Webinar
Beyond Developmental Stuttering: Clinical Approaches to Adult-Onset Dysfluency
Presented by:
Nina Santus, Ph.D., CCC/SLP
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 from 6-7 p.m. on Zoom

Abstract:
Adult-Onset Disfluency (AOD) represents a complex and often under-recognized group of fluency disorders that emerge in adulthood, distinct from developmental stuttering. This presentation aims to deepen clinicians’ understanding of AOD by exploring its defining characteristics, differential diagnosis, and underlying etiologies, including neurogenic, psychogenic, and other contributing factors. Emphasis will be placed on clinical assessment strategies tailored to adult populations, highlighting key considerations that differentiate AOD from childhood stuttering and other fluency disruptions.

In addition to diagnostic frameworks, the session will focus on evidence-based treatment approaches for AOD. Participants will learn about therapeutic techniques adapted for adults, strategies to address the unique emotional and social challenges faced by this population, and ways to integrate multidisciplinary collaboration for optimal client outcomes. Case studies will illustrate practical applications, fostering critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills.

This session is designed for speech-language pathologists seeking to expand their expertise in fluency disorders beyond developmental stuttering. Attendees will leave equipped with knowledge and tools to confidently assess and treat adult clients experiencing new-onset dysfluency, ultimately improving quality of care for this often overlooked group.

Learning Objectives:
As a result of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Define Adult-Onset Disfluency (AOD) and differentiate it from developmental stuttering and other fluency disorders.
2. Identify etiologies and contributing factors of AOD, including neurogenic and psychogenic causes.
3. Describe clinical assessment strategies tailored for adults with new-onset disfluency.
4. Apply evidence-based treatment approaches for adult clients with AOD.
5. Recognize the psychosocial impacts of AOD and integrate supportive strategies into therapy.
6. Analyze case studies to develop individualized treatment plans for adults with AOD.

Time Ordered Agenda:
6:00 pm – 6:05 pm: Introduction and Course Overview
6:05 pm – 6:20 pm: Defining Adult-Onset Disfluency and Differential Diagnosis
6:20 pm – 6:35 pm: Clinical Assessment Strategies for Adult-Onset Disfluency
6:35 pm – 6:50 pm: Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches and Psychosocial Considerations
6:50 pm – 6:55 pm: Case Studies and Clinical Decision-Making
6:55 pm – 7:00 pm: Questions and Wrap-Up

Speaker Biography:
Nina Santus, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education at the University of Georgia and a practicing clinician at the UGA Speech and Hearing Clinic. She earned her B.S. (2003) and M.S. (2005) in Speech-Language Pathology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and completed her Ph.D. in Communication Sciences at UGA, where her research focused specifically on stuttering. With over 20 years of experience, particularly in treating fluency disorders and stuttering, Dr. Santus has worked in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, private practice, and public schools.

Since 2012, she has taught and supervised graduate students at UGA in areas including fluency disorders, dysphagia, aphasia, and voice disorders. She teaches both the graduate-level fluency and voice courses. Her research explores optimal therapy frequency and duration for treating stuttering in public schools, as well as school-based clinician preparedness.

Dr. Santus is also committed to expanding access to clinical services. She has secured multiple grants to implement programs like the Parkinson Voice Project’s SPEAK OUT!®, as well as voice and communication services for gender-diverse individuals. She has presented at local, state, national, and international levels. Her work bridges research, teaching, and real-world clinical impact.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Nina Santus receives a salary from the University of Georgia.
Non-Financial: Nina Santus has no relevant non-financial disclosures.

This course is offered for 0.1 ASHA CEUs. To earn ASHA CEUs for this course, attendees must complete a quiz the end of the event to assess their learning. After review by the Georgia Speech Language Hearing Association, learner records are transmitted to ASHA for processing. ASHA posts ASHA CEUs to an individual’s ASHA CE Transcript. Please allow 6-8 weeks for the processing of ASHA CEU.