Hello Andrea,
My name is Karsyn Williams, and I am currently a second year speech pathology graduate student. I would like to first say thank you for taking the time to further educate us as a community, as well as answering all of our questions. My first question that I would like to ask is how can speech-language pathologists better advocate for individuals who stutter within educational or healthcare systems? My second question is what advice would you give to someone who has recently started stuttering?
Thank you!
Hi Karsyn,
thank you for your questions 🙂
Regarding your first question, I think one of the most important things SLP can do is to promote cultural change regarding stuttering, questioning the absolute value of fluency in favor of speech diversity. On your side you have great scientific knowledge, which you can use to educate people who work in education and health and create inclusive environments.
Regarding your second question, I think that it is first necessary to take time, whatever the context (child or adult) to understand and process the change… it is a major change, from all points of view. That said, I believe it would be important to talk about it; stuttering should not be taboo. Finally, if possible, getting to know other people who stutter, becoming active in the community, having a support network that can help you through difficult times and with whom you can share the daily joys and challenges.
I hope I have answered your questions!
Andrea