Very interesting, I just found this sub and this is almost my exact experience. When I was a kid I would get blocked allllll the time. One of my teachers would call on me to read in class constantly (she later confided she was trying to "fix" me) and I would just sit there in front of the entire class unable to say the word "The." I'm pretty sure they all thought I was severely developmentally challenged. I also couldn't answer the phone. I'd just never be able to say anything. Anyhow, it all changed right around when I was 18. People started being surprised when I told them I stutter. Part of it is I learned to anticipate it, I can almost feel it coming and pick another word that won't get me hung up. I've also learned tricks, like clearing my throat before I say "Hello" on the phone. But, it's definitely easier than it was when I was younger. I still get stuck from time to time, though, and I'm definitely still a stutterer. Here's a video of me from this morning. You'll hear a few moments where I get hung up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1aQBRiLtxY