This technology discloses the use of small-molecule iron chelators—drugs that bind and remove excess iron—for the oral treatment of developmental stuttering in children and adults. Mouse models carrying human stuttering mutations show both elevated striatal iron and impaired vocalization; daily low-dose deferiprone reverses these speech-like deficits while normalizing brain-iron MRI signals. Because exemplary chelators deferiprone, deferasirox, and deferoxamine are already marketed for other indications, their safety, dosing, and manufacturing are well characterized, enabling a streamlined regulatory path. The approach offers the first disease-targeted pharmacologic option for a disorder currently managed only by speech therapy.