Mission

To promote among speech-language pathologists the highest standards for training and service delivery to impact positively the communication skills and thereby the lives of those who demonstrate fluency disorders.

To verify knowledge of fluency disorders and mastery of skills of professionals who seek and maintain the credential of Board Certified Specialist-Stuttering, Cluttering, and Fluency Disorders.

To publicize the benefits of working with specialists in fluency disorders and to provide an up-to-date listing of individuals who maintain the status of Board Certified Specialist-Sttutering, Cluttering, and Fluency Disorders.

History

The American Board of Stuttering, Cluttering, and Fluency Disorders was the first clinical specialty program approved by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in 1998. The idea of a specialty program was driven by the need to give consumers access to professionals with advanced knowledge and skills, and to educate and recognize expert clinicians.

The specialty program, initially known as the Specialty Board on Fluency Disorders, came into being through the efforts of both professionals and consumers. It was championed by ASHA’s Special Interest Division 4, Fluency and Fluency Disorders, with support from the National Stuttering Association and the Stuttering Foundation of America. Some of the key people involved included Eugene and Crystal Cooper, Hugo Gregory, Oliver Bloodstein, Glyndon and Jeanna Riley, and Dean Williams.

Today we are one of a growing number of ASHA specialty certification programs. Board members are volunteers elected by their peers, and we continue to work closely with both professionals and consumers.

Organization

The minimum five-member American Board of Stuttering, Cluttering, and Fluency Disorders is organized, in keeping with its bylaws, to include four officers; Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Board's bylaws address such issues as election to the Board, terms-of-office, officer responsibilities, and other critical organizational information.

The ABSCF shall meet regularly and maintain communication in order to fulfill its responsibilities. The Board shall determine and apply procedures for relating to Board Certified Specialists in Stuttering, Cluttering, and Fluency Disorders. The Board shall recruit and assist candidates who wish to become Board Certified Specialists in Stuttering, Cluttering, and Fluency Disorders. The Board shall maintain, refine and revise as necessary the standards and mechanism for such certification and obtain required approval from the CCSC through ASHA.