Embracing Neurodiversity: Exploring the Role of an Online Support Group for Mandarin-Speaking Women Who Stutter in Resource-Limited Contexts

Background: Stuttering can impact individuals' lives profoundly, with women who stutter facing challenges at the intersection of gender and communication differences. This study adopts a neurodiversity-affirming framework that views stuttering as a natural variation in communication rather than a disorder. It explores how online support groups can contribute to self-acceptance, stigma reduction, and identity development among Mandarin-speaking women living in China who stutter—a population for whom culturally and linguistically relevant services are still evolving. Method: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with eight Mandarin-speaking women who actively participated in an online support group for women, featuring biweekly video meetings and asynchronous messaging. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Participants reported benefits from the online support group, including increased self-acceptance, emotional well-being, and communication confidence. The group served as a neurodiversity-affirming space that encouraged identity exploration, reduced internalized stigma, and supported the reframing of stuttering as a valid form of communication. Participants also expressed a need for more skill-building opportunities and spaces that directly address gender-based expectations in communication. Discussion and Conclusions: Grounded in the lived experiences of participating women who stutter, this study highlights the potential of online support groups to advance neurodiversity-affirming support, especially in the contexts where formal resources are limited. These platforms may provide an alternative form of care that complements professional services while prioritizing community, accessibility, and the complex realities of marginalized voices.