 About the author: Pamela Mertz is a person who stutters who is very active in the stuttering community. She is a Stutter Social host, writes the blog “Make Room For the Stuttering” and hosts the podcast “Women Who Stutter: Our Stories”. She has presented workshops on stuttering both regionally and nationally, and has spoken at three international stuttering events. Pam is also a 9-year Toastmaster and has achieved Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) status. Pam works full time in a high school in the Albany, NY area as a recruiter and outreach specialist, spending most of her time doing public speaking presentations. In 2016, Pam was elected to the National Stuttering Association (USA) Board of Directors and also the International Stuttering Association Board of Directors, serving as Secretary. |
Authors Note: This short paper relates to the theme of Stuttering Pride as noted by the examples of the kids taking pride in some aspect of their stuttering (towards end of paper). I also took great pride in being able to talk to these kids about stuttering, as an adult who stutters who wished I had had such opportunities as a kid who stuttered.
Talking to Kids Who Stutter
I recently had a wonderful opportunity to speak to kids who stutter at a stuttering camp. The director had invited me to meet with the kids, ages 8-12, via Skype during the middle of their week long session. Before my talk, the kids explored my blog and my podcast and got the chance to get to know me a little. They then developed questions to ask me when we met over Skype.
The goal of the week was to get the kids talking about stuttering, to gain confidence and new skills and to learn how to create their own podcast.
My chat with the kids was great. They asked about how I feel when I stutter, if I ever get nervous when talking in front of people and what I’ve done to get comfortable talking. They also asked what it was like for me in school when I was their age. I asked them questions too, based on what they asked me. We had a real back and forth conversation and we all learned from each other.
The kids had never met an adult who stutters. I think they thought it was cool! To me, it brought back thoughts of how I wished I had met an adult who stutters when I was a kid. It would have gone a long way to help normalize stuttering for me. I think this chat with the kids helped normalize it for them, talking casually and asking questions about stuttering.
Later in the day, after our talk, the director emailed me. The kids had been asked to reflect on their day and several said my talk was a highlight. That made me feel so proud. One kid drew a picture to illustrate what it looked like when I was talking to them via Skype. (See picture below!)
Later in the week, the kids learned how to create podcasts using Garage Band. They did several podcasts, on all kinds of creative topics. They got to experiment with how their voices sounded on recordings, and learned the skills of editing and adding music to their work.
The kids also gave presentations on the last day to their parents and SLP students about facts on stuttering, what they learned during the week and what they’re thinking about for the new school year. The director shared with me that their confidence had skyrocketed from the beginning of the week, and that they all seemed to enjoy talking (a lot!) by the end of the week.
This was a unique opportunity for these children. They focused on talking, having fun and gaining confidence. I was happy to have a small part in that. What I saw was a group of kids who found something to be proud of regarding their stuttering, maybe something they had never before experienced.
And I was proud to share my stuttering with kids who stutter. If more adults who stutter would talk to kids who stutter, we would definitely normalize the experience for kids. If you get the opportunity, volunteer to talk to kids in school or at a camp or a speech therapy group. It will be a win-win situation for both the kids and adults, I guarantee it.
Hi Pamela!
Wow. I can only imagine how rewarding it felt after talking to those kids. I agree that more adults who stutter should share their experiences with kids in order for the kids to see that they’re not the only ones who stutter and that they should be confident. I am curious to know what questions did you get the most often from these kids?
Amazing contribution to this conference!
Hi Shiry – the questions the kids asked me were mostly about if I had the same experiences as they did. One kid asked me if I got nervous before presentations like he did before school presentations. Another question was about what I do to make myself less nervous when speaking. I loved the way the kids asked questions that conveyed experiences they were really having.
I think kids need to hear from adults who stutter because we can be very reassuring that it really can be OK to stutter. Adults also can offer hope that it will get easier. -Pam
What a difference the Internet (and you) have made for kids who stutter. I know there are many “day camps” for kids now, but only know of three overnight opportunities – Taro Alexander, Kristen Chmela, and Trish Zebrowski. Was your unique opportunity with one of those camps or are there others that you know of that I’m not familiar with? Thanks for sharing your experience. Great picture of you on the TV;-) (also in the bio).
Judy Kuster
Hi Judy – thanks for the great feedback. This unique opportunity came about through my friend Jill at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. She runs a stuttering camp during the summer for young kids. I was thrilled when she asked me to speak to the children and that they were going to learn about doing podcasts. That means they were going to play around with hearing their recorded voices, which is difficult for some adults to do and these were brave young kids.
I don’t know if this is something that Jill does or plans to do every summer, but it should be, because she shared with me that it was a very positive experience for the kids. -Pam
Hi Pamela,
What a wonderful opportunity you had to share your experience with those children! I really like the idea having adults who stutter come and talk with children who stutter because it really can help them “normalize” stuttering. There is a fluency camp put on by my university where they have children who stutter come for two weeks and they work directly with a SLP graduate student and counseling student. It would be a great addition to this experience if they would also incorporate having adults come to the camp and talk with the children just like you did. Another way that I have learned to help “normalize” stuttering and help kids understand that stuttering doesn’t keep them from their goals and dreams, is talking about famous people who stutter!Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Jackie
Hi Jackie – thank you for the great comment and for sharing that your university offers a 2 week program for kids. I bet it wouldn’t be hard at all to find adults to talk to the kids. I definitely felt my experience helped normalize stuttering for the kids. None of them had ever met an adult who stutters so my presence was something new for them. After they got over their initial shyness, we had a really great conversation. I’ll be curious to learn if your program implements adult speakers.
-Pam
Hi Pamela,
I really enjoyed reading this article. As a future speech-language pathologist, I especially liked what you had to say about confidence. It was apparent that these kids gained confidence in themselves through their talk with you, exploring your blog and podcasts, and attending a camp with other children who stutter. It was awesome to read about what this gain in confidence had done for them, especially when giving presentations to their parents and other SLP students. The importance of confidence and pride is something that I will definitely keep in mind as a future professional.
Hi Pamela,
Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful experience! I’m a second year SLP graduate student currently working with two children who stutter. As we are being taught about the value of pseudo-stuttering with our clients, I’m wondering what your thoughts are on it. Do you think the kids would find it beneficial in lieu of a conversation with an adult who stutters?
That said, I can clearly see the value in advocating for CWS by providing them with the opportunity to speak with adults who stutter. Thanks for pointing out such a valuable tool to help promote pride and confidence in our students.
Hi Deanna – thanks for the great feedback. In my case, the kids I met with found it extremely beneficial to meet an adult who stutters. Like I said, they had never met one before! ? In working with other kids who stutter through the NSA and Friends, I believe adults who stutter represent normalcy and hope to the kids.
That all said, I think voluntary stuttering experience for kids could be useful in addition to talking with adults who stutter, not in lieu of. Again, just from my own experience, VS is hard for adults to do. Kids may find it even more challenging especially in front of each other.
Hi Pamela,
I am a speech-language pathology (SLP) graduate student who is very interested in working with children who stutter (CWS). I loved how you discussed the importance of increasing how comfortable CWS feel when talking. I was wondering as an SLP, is there a particular topic you think I should discuss with CWS that could help increase their confidence and comfort when speaking?
Hi Melissa – I know when I was a child, I wish someone had discussed with me that it was OK to stutter. That it, and therefore I, was not weird or broken or bad. I think that is one of the most important topics to discuss with kids who stutter – that they are alright and will grow up to be just fine. As adults, we should try to normalize stuttering as much as possible for children who stutter. That’s why I think having adults who stutter talk to CWS is such a good idea. Even better would be to introduce CWS to other CWS or teens who stutter. Thanks for asking! -Pam
I really enjoyed this article. I am sure it was very rewarding to have such a positive impact on these children! If you had been given this opportunity as a child what would you have asked the adult who stutters? I am currently a graduate student in a stuttering class and plan to work with children in the future. I think it would be helpful to know what type of information would be beneficial to children who stutter.
Hi Nicole – see my answer above to Melissa about what topics I think are important to discuss with kids who stutter. For me, as a child, I would have asked an adult who stutters if I would find friends who would like me even though I stuttered. I felt very lonely as a child who stuttered and reassurance would have been the best “tonic” for me then. I remember worrying that I wouldn’t have any friends, both as a kid and when I got older. I think I would have also asked about what types of jobs a person who stutters could get. I think that information would be very helpful to children who stutter. Thanks for reading and commenting. -Pam
Hello! I really enjoyed reading about your experience with these children. I am currently studying to become a speech-language pathologist, and I was curious about some of the group settings you spoke about. What is your opinion on grouping children together who stutter for therapy purposes? Though only a small portion of my future caseload will treat this, do you feel is it better to have a child who stutters interact with other people who stutter, or peers who don’t stutter, or maybe even both? If I ever treat a child who stutters, and I likely will, I would like to have some insight on what additional resources I could provide to the child and his or her family. Thank you!
Hi Brittany – thanks for reading and for the great question. Probably one of the single most important things that would have made a difference to me as a child who stuttered would have been to meet other children who stutter. I felt so alone and different and weird. It would have been huge to see that I was not the only one. And meeting an adult who stuttered also would have been significant for me – so that I could have seen that adults who stutter are normal and successful.
So I think it’s critical that you try to expose kids who stutter to other kids that stutter. Sharing that bond could lead to life long friendships.
To answer your other question, I think it could be useful to have group therapy for kids who stutter as long as they also got some individual time as well, to talk about things that may be bothering them that they might not feel comfortable sharing in front of other kids.
Hello! I really enjoyed reading about your experience communicating with the kids at this camp. I am a second year graduate student studying to be a Speech-Language Pathologist and haven’t had the opportunity to work with many clients’ who stutter at this point in time. Have you ever felt self-confident about public speaking? And if so, what helped you overcome those concerns? Thank you!
Hi Madison – good question. Yes, I feel very confident about public speaking these days. I am an outreach specialist for my job, so I do presentations all the time. I joined Toastmasters (www.toastmasters.org) and stayed with it for 9 years. Great organization – focuses on practicing public speaking and impromptu speaking, as well as giving and getting feedback and leadership skills. One of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. I achieved the highest rank you can in Toastmasters.
The other thing I have done to help with confidence and risk taking is something I just finished this week. I took a beginners improv class and really loved it, despite early nervousness. I performed in my first live show last night and felt so confident and empowered. I would definitely recommend trying something similar to anyone interested in building confidence and pushing out of their comfort zone.
-Pam
Hi Pamela!
The influence you had over the children you spoke to truly made a difference in their lives and that is so important. They were able to identify with an adult that they may not have otherwise encountered who also has a unique commonality. I believe that being able to ask an adult who also stutters probably answered some truly difficult questions for these children, in a very real way, that they may not be able to ask an adult who does not stutter. I’m wondering if there is a program you know about, or if one exists, that provides some type of mentorship for CWS? I think this would be a great idea, even if it starts on the internet, to engage CWS in conversation with adults who are similar to them and can answer some of these challenging questions. Thanks!
Hi – thanks for the great question. There is an organization especially for kids and teens who stutter called FRIENDS. You can find them at http://www.friendswhostutter.org
They have a mentoring program where kids or teens who have been involved for a while with the organization mentor kids new to FRIENDS. They stay in contact through the year via phone or the internet and then get together at the annual conference that FRIENDS has every July. I’ve been to 5 of the FRIENDS conferences and they are life changing events for kids and their families. Please check them out and share with your kids and parents. They also have one day conferences throughout the year in different cities across the US.
I don’t know of any programs that have adults who stutter mentoring children who stutter but if you reach out to the National Stuttering Association – NSA – http://www.westutter.org – you’ll find local chapters and you can contact them and definitely find adults who would be willing to come and talk to your kids.
Mrs. Mertz,
Thank you for sharing this experience you had with several kids at a stuttering camp! As you stated in your article, allowing kids to see an adult who stutters helps to ‘normalize’ their personal experiences with stuttering. I am a second year graduate student pursuing my goal to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. Currently, I am enrolled in a fluency course, in which I am being exposed to effective treatment approaches for children who stutter. Because I am in the learning process, I have minimal experience with children who stutter, so I am interested in some advice by an expert, like yourself. What was your advice to the kids who face peer pressures, fears about their stuttering, etc.? What kind of encouragement did you give to them? Thank you for your response!
Hi Poolel- thanks for reading and for the questions. One of the things I’ve suggested to kids who stutter who face teasing from peers is to have a good comeback. If a peer mimicks stuttering, you can feel good by saying something like “is that the best you’ve got?” Or “you’re not doing it right. Let me show you how it’s done.” If a child can practice saying things like this, it helps them feel in control of the situation and hopefully feeling empowered.
Pamela,
What would you think of a program similar to Big Brothers and Big Sisters for children who stutter to give them this kind of access to adults who stutter?
Hi Julie – I think that would be a great idea. Do you have ideas as to how we could get something like this started?
I like the idea of using garage band to create a podcast. It sounds like a creative way to let the CWS listen to their own voices and build confidence in accomplishing anything they set their minds to. Thanks for sharing your experience. What are some of the facts that would be helpful in explaining stuttering to people who do not understand it?
Hi Jennifer- facts about stuttering for people who don’t stutter are numerous. You can find brochures from the National Stuttering Association and the Stuttering Foundation. I would say the most important fact is that stuttering does not affect our intelligence or emotional stability. We’re completely normal even though we stutter. And another fact is that we know what we’re going to say but just have difficulty in how we’re saying it. Please look at the two organizations I noted for free printable brochures that contain facts about stuttering.
Pamela,
Thank you for sharing how important it is for children who stutter to have the opportunity to speak with an adult who stutters. I feel as though you impacted those children’s lives a lot, especially since you were regarded as the highlight of their day! Aside from acting as a normalizing feature, how else do you think a child-and-adult-who-stutter bond would benefit the child? And maybe even the adult? I also wonder if there is a possibility for a program in which to introduce people who stutter of all ages to create a buddy system. Based on what you’ve shared, I think that could be really beneficial to a lot of people!
Thank you again for sharing this experience!
Hi Kat – thanks for the great questions. Someone else asked about and suggested a buddy program or mentorship with people who stutter. I think that would be a good idea – we’d need ideas as to how it would work and what it would look like. I know the FRIENDS organization, which is for young people who stutter, has a mentoring program by teens for teens who stutter. I’ve recently taken on a position with the BOD of the NSA, maybe this is something I could tackle, if there is any interest.
Aside from the normalizing feature, I think lack of isolation is also gained from the adult-child relationship/bond. Knowing there is an adult who gets me is probably huge for a child. As for the adult – in my case anyway, when I talk to kids who stutter, I always feel purpose. For so many years, I never felt there was any useful purpose to my stuttering. When I began talking to kids (and parents of kids who stutter) I felt like I had finally found a purpose. I think adults who stutter offer HOPE to kids and teens and stutter and that is priceless. -Pam
Pamela,
I am a second year graduate student, currently taking a Fluency course and we discuss so much about the importance of introducing young children who stutter to adults who stutter so they understand that people grow up and have awesome lives and also stutter. I really enjoyed reading about your experience at the camp and was wondering if you frequently engage in talks like that with children who stutter and what are some of the tougher questions you are asked during these talks?
Thank you!
Hi – yes, I have frequently engaged in talks with kids who stutter. For five years, I attended FRIENDS conferences where I talked to kids and teens who stutter and offered my perspective as an adult who stutters. Some of the tougher questions I’ve been asked by kids include: why do we stutter? Can it be cured? Why are only certain people picked to stutter? What kinds of jobs can people who stutter do? I’ve also been asked questions about talking in front of others and how do I deal with fear and nervousness. -Pam
Hi Pamela,
Thank you for sharing your experience. What a great inspiration you are for the children you were able to reach, as well as many of us on this forum. As a graduate student clinician, your writing has enlightened me on the impact that have a positive and real role model can have on CWS. Throughout my clinic experience, I have had many supervisors tell me that I am learning just as much, if not more, from the client as they are learning from me. I am sure that the children you spoke to learned a great deal from chatting with you but I was wondering, what is something that you learned from them? Thanks again for your piece.
Hi – what a good question. What I learned from the kids? Well, I learned that once they got over their nervousness at talking to someone they just met over Skype, they relaxed and were fearless. I guess that’s what stood out most – that they were fearless and asked me anything that was on their mind. Some of the questions they had pre-planned with help from the student SLPs that were working with them and some of the questions were spontaneous. I don’t think they were shy or nervous at all because of their stuttering, but rather just at meeting someone new and talking over an internet connection. -Pam
Hi Pamela,
Thank you for sharing your experience. I am a first year graduate student taking a fluency course this semester. My plan after graduation is to work with children and I was really excited to read about your experience with these children who stutter. I have had the opportunity to evaluate some children who stutter this semester, which has been my only experience with stuttering. From your experience, other than talking to adults who stutter, what is something that increases children’s confidence and encourages them to communicate more?
Thank you!
Hi Andrea – I think what increased kid’s confidence and encourages them to talk more is meeting other kids that stutter. I think that’s actually more valuable than talking with adults who stutter. If you can introduce your young clients to other kids or teens who stutter, I think that really helps with confidence and self-esteem. -Pam
Pamela,
Thank your for sharing your story. As a graduate speech-language pathologist, I currently have just begun working with preteens who stutter. As a person who does not stutter, I do not want to presume that I know what it feels like or what they have gone through. I feel as if the age group that I am working with is at a very sensitive age where a lot of self-identity and confidence can either be built up or stripped away; I definitely want to build them up as best as I can! How would you suggest that I talk with them about stuttering, and what ways might I build up their confidence?
Hi Audra – if at all possible, try introducing them to other kids that stutter. I think that makes a huge difference in building kids’ confidence and self identity. I think you can talk about stuttering from a difference perspective. All of us have differences – people who stutter just happen to have a communication difference. I like to tell young people that it’s just a different way to talk that makes us stand out and special. 99% of the population talks fluently and we 1% get to talk differently. We help people listen better and we help people gain an appreciation for diversity. The world would be boring if we were all alike and I think most kids can appreciate hearing that. If kids are talking about being teased, I suggest that you talk about some comebacks that they might try. “Is that the best you can do?” Or “here, let me show you how to stutter. I’m good at it.” Talking about it openly reduces shame and builds confidence. I so wished I had had someone to talk about stuttering with when I was a child. -Pam
Hi Pam,
What an interesting read! I am curious as to what you think about these camps for kids who stutter – would you ever be interested in starting up and directing a camp similar to this one where kids can be exposed to more individuals (adults and kids) who stutter? Or how could you promote a camp like this one to more children? I know as a person who stuttered growing up, I would have been interested in a stuttering camp in order to hang out with people with similar communication deficits.
I appreciate your feedback!
Hello – there are several camps across the country that are specifically for children who stutter. The idea is to bring kids together to meet others like them so that the kids see they are not alone. The one that comes to mind is camp SAY, the Stuttering Association for the Young. They have a 2 week camp every August in North Carolina. The camp is run by an adult who stutters. I’ve never thought of doing this myself, although I’d be interested in helping with one in my area if it ever came to be. -Pam
Hello Pamela,
My name is Savannah and I am a first year graduate student in Speech-Language Pathology. My cohort is currently taking a course in the assessment and treatment of stuttering and I really enjoyed your post about talking to children who stutter. I can only imagine how rewarding it felt to talk to children who stutter and provide some advice to help them gain confidence. Podcast are gaining in popularity, so I liked how you used this unique form of media to help children understand their stutter and communicate with different social media outlets. I thought it was really great to see how much the children’s confidence increased and how happy they seemed to talk about stuttering. This could be very helpful when beginning the new school year and trying to communicate with others. Since you said the children had never talked to an adult about stuttering before, I am curious as to what kinds of questions they had for you?
Thank you for sharing your experience!
Hi Savannah – thanks for reading and the nice comments. I have been doing a podcast for women who stutter since 2010. You might want to check it out. Here’s the link: http://www.stutterrockstar.com
As for questions the kids had, they included what do I do to prepare for talks or presentations? How do I deal with nervousness when talking in front of people? How did I get used to the sound of my own voice stuttering? I was really impressed with the kids – they had checked out my blog and podcast ahead of time and came prepared to have a great conversation with me. -Pam
Ms. Mertz,
Thank you for this insight! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this paper. I especially love the idea of introducing children who stutter with adult mentors that truly understand what they are going through. I am sure that you were a delight to these children! They are so very lucky to have met you!
I was wondering if you had any ideas as to how to keep this confidence boost up in these children as they head back to school and back to “reality.” I am sure that they gained so much confidence while at camp, but I worry about them losing it once they step back into school where bullies and peers can be ruthless. Any thoughts?
I appreciate it!
Thank you!
-Anna
Hi Anna – I agree with you, bullies can be ruthless, as can be uneducated peers. I have a couple of thoughts on this. If at all possible, have the child do a presentation to their class on stuttering, what it is, what it’s not, how to respond to someone who is stuttering, and maybe even let the classmates “try on” stuttering. The child might be apprehensive doing this by themselves so maybe he or she could do it with a teen or adult who stutters. Doing a presentation and normalizing it for peers is very empowering. There are resources to do such class presentations on the Stuttering Foundation’s website as well as the National Stuttering Association.
I also think it’s a good idea to teach kids to stand up for themselves and have some empowering comebacks for when someone teases them about stuttering. Some comebacks I’ve suggested to kids who stutter are: “Is that the best you’ve got? Let me show you how stuttering is really done.” Or “Hey, you’re not doing it right. Listen to me – I’m really good at it.” Or, “Be patient – what I have to say is worth repeating.”
-Pam
Hi Ms. Mertz,
It is so great that you received the opportunity to share your experience with children who are just beginning to become comfortable with their stutter. After reading your experience, I am curious to know when you became comfortable with your stutter and how did this change your participation in events/ activities and communication in daily life? I look forward to hearing your response!
Hi – I didn’t become comfortable with my own stutter until I was in my 40’s. I lived for many years as a covert stutterer, because I was so shamed of my stuttering. No one EVER talked to me about it when I was growing up, so I felt isolated and defective and thought I was the only one. I felt my parents were ashamed of me which pushed me to hide it, so I wouldn’t be faced with negative social consequences. It took a real rock-bottom moment for me in 2006 to stop hiding this important piece of myself and finally learn to accept that I was OK just as I was. I had a kind of “awakening” where I immersed myself into everything stuttering and really found a purpose for stuttering – to help others. -Pam
That’s amazing that were able to have such an impact on those kids. It would’ve helped me so much to meet an adult who stutters at that age. That experience could’ve shifted my entire perspective on having a stutter and I’m sure it was the beginning of a shift for those kids.
Pamela,
I am currently taking a graduate level fluency course and I really enjoyed reading your post. First off I think it is so great that you had the opportunity to talk with kiddos at a stuttering camp. I can see how getting to speak with you about stuttering was invaluable to them and really gave them insight and hope. What a cool camp! Based on your personal and professional experiences what advice would you have for an SLP in the schools to boost a child who stutters confidence and improve their thoughts on stuttering. Thank you in advance. I look forward to hearing from you.
Kelcy
SLP graduate student
Hi Kelcy – I think school based SLPs have such tough jobs, since you’re dealing with everything speech related and not just stuttering. I think there are a couple of things that you can do to boost their confidence and improve their thoughts about stuttering. As I mentioned in a previous response, I think it would be great if you could facilitate a way for the child who stutters to meet others who stutter, be it other kids their own age, teens or adults. Today with technology, you don’t have to even have a group in your area to “draw from.” You can have someone Skype into your classroom or office to meet the child and give the child the chance to ask questions and share common concerns. What’s troublesome for a child who stutters is often the same for an adult who stutters.
Another though is to have the child co-present a talk about stuttering to their class, to normalize it for peers and to give the child who stutters a sense of empowerment, which will enhance confidence and positive thoughts. The child could do it with you as the SLP or find a teen of adult who stutters to come in and share that experience with the child. There is info about making classroom presentations on the websites of the Stuttering Foundation and the National Stuttering Association. -Pam
I was surprised to hear that these kids involved in a fluency camp hadn’t talked to an adult who stuttered. I am a second year graduate student currently taking a fluency class and I appreciate this insight. My personal clinical experience treating stuttering involved more than traditional fluency-shaping techniques. My supervisor had the client prepare a 5-minute presentation about what stuttering is, myths about it, famous people who stutter, and how to talk with someone who stutters. This incorporated aspects of acceptance and gave the client confidence instead of fear or anxiety. Going along with the garageband recording idea I wonder what other tools therapists can use to help normalize stuttering, and give clients a sense of acceptance.
I really like the idea of the 5 minute presentation, but to me that wouldn’t seem long enough for a classroom presentation. I’d encourage the SLP to have the child co-present with somebody (you the SLP, a favorite teacher, another child, teen or adult that stutters) so that there would be enough time for kids in the class to have questions answered and even “try on” some stuttering so they can know what it feels like to repeat or get stuck. I have used Chinese finger traps with kids who don’t stutter to give them an idea of what it’s like to block. -Pam
Hi Pamela
I’ve recently just started studying my first year as a speech therapist.
After reading your article, i was so impressed of how these children contributed to the sessions. The fact that they feel more confident in speaking. I think there needs to be more awareness of stammering in order for children to feel more confident.
What made you decide to work for the children camp? and also what advice would you give to a speech therapist working with anyone who stutters.
Thanks
Jessica
Hi Jessica – I didn’t work for the children’s stuttering camp. My friend who is a PhD level SLP runs the camp as part of her summer university stuttering clinic. She asked me to be a guest speaker for the children since I have experience with podcasts and she wanted the children to explore making a podcast so they could play with, and get used to, hearing the sound of their voices in a recorded medium. So I spoke to them in the middle of the week, after they had a chance to explore my blog and podcast (which you can too at http://www.stutterrockstar.com)
As for advice for a speech therapist working with someone who stutters, number one would be to remember to identify the person as a whole person, not just stuttering. We are so much more than our stuttering. It is something we do, not who we are. Many SLP students that I’ve encountered are nervous about working with people who stutter because they have little to no experience and only took one (maybe) fluency course in college or university. I think therapists should spend as much as time as they can with people who stutter to find out what’s important to us and to get to know us as people. -Pam
Hi Pam,
Really interesting article above it talking to kids who stutter. I’m a 1st year student for SLT in the U.K. and enjoying the vast amount of areas that it can cover. In normalising the experience of stutterering to a child and having them converse with someone who sees it as a part of them and not a hindrance is really nice to read.
Thanks
Beth
I am a Speech-Language Pathology graduate student, and I have a clinical placement in the school system. This semester, I am working with a seventh grader who stutters. During one of our first conversations, I mentioned that my father stutters. I could instantly see excitement on the students face. He started asking so many questions about my dad’s stuttering. Later in the conversation, I told him that my Fluency professor also stuttered. As the conversation progressed, the student informed me that he did not really know any adults that stuttered. Over the last few weeks, we have been talking about what comes after high school, and the student said “I don’t really think about the future because my stuttering holds me back”. This broke my heart because he is a very bright student. As I was reading your paper, I was thinking about how beneficial this interaction must have been for these children. You mentioned in one of your responses that this interaction normalized stuttering for the kids. Do you have any suggestions for SLP’s to help “normalize” stuttering outside of the therapy room?
Hi Brittney – thanks for sharing your experience with your seventh grader. How sad that he doesn’t think about the future because he thinks stuttering holds him back or will hold him back. I think if kids can meet with other kids who stutter or teens who stutter that are doing well in high school, that those exposures to stuttering will help normalize stuttering for a young person. I also think that it’s critical to give young kids who stutter the experience to stutter openly out in the community and see that nothing terrible will happen. Ideally, it’s be great if the SLP could go somewhere with the kid who stutters and let them experience stuttering openly. Like a movie theater, convenience store or fast food place. It may not be ideal within the constraints of a school based schedule but it is doable. I’d also recommend having a seventh grader try voluntary stuttering, which can give quite the sense of control over stuttering, which is so important because we often feel out of control with our stuttering. I think this could help normalize stuttering outside of the therapy room. Good luck! I wish I could talk to him and reassure him that things will get easier and better with maturity and life experience. -Pam
Hi! This is such a wonderful and inspiring story. I have a quick question about the time you spent with the kids. Did you find that they were more comfortable talking to you than other adults in the room who did not stutter? Did the children seem surprised to meet a ‘grown up’ who stuttered? What do you think is the best way to communicate to a child who stutters that it is okay to stutter? I’m sure it meant so much coming from you!
Hi – I would say that the kids seemed comfortable enough talking with me, but it did take some time to warm up to talking to me via computer. I think that was a new experience for most too. The kids were not “surprised” to meet an adult who stutters as the camp staff did a great job preparing them and letting them research me before we “met.” I think the best way to communicate to a child that it is OK to stutter is have them meet with someone who is stuttering openly. The more children see and hear successful teens or adults stutter, the more OK it will be. -Pam
Hi Pamela,
I am currently an SLP graduate student and I have been working in the school system this past semester. I have one fluency student on my caseload and he has talked about his struggle in the classroom with reading in front of his teacher and classmates due to his stuttering. After reading this article, I am curious as to what some of the kids talked about in regards to their struggle as someone who stutters? Did most of them mention their struggle in school and if so, what have been some things they’ve done to overcome those struggles?
Hi – yes, most talked about fears talking in school and having to make presentations in front of others. We talked about how to deal with nervousness, specifically Stuttering nervousness. I’ve had this discussion with other adults who stutter too. There is regular nervousness that comes with doing something new or stressful and there is nervousness that we’re going to stutter. I think it helped the kids that I shared that I get nervous too. We brainstormed some ways to feel more comfortable talking in front of others. -Pam
Pamela,
This was truly enjoyable to read and so inspiring. As a future SLP who plans to work in the schools, I will keep this idea in my tool kit so to speak. I never thought about how isolated a PWS might feel not knowing anyone else who has the same struggles. This camp sounds amazing. Thank you for sharing this.
Hi I am a student SLT at BCU in the UK. Your article really highlights how important it is for anyone with a stutter, child or adult, to have positive role models around them to help them to feel ‘normal’. Having a group of people who stutter to provide talks on their experiences and raise awareness is also an inspiring idea. Too much bullying occurs due to lack of knowledge and this seems like a great way to share that knowledge and to also help develop public speaking skills in a person who stutters. These are definitely ideas I will try to carry forward into my future practice.
Hello Pamela,
I loved reading about your experience! As a graduate student studying to become a SLP I know I will have clients who stutter and I worry about being able to relate to them well during therapy. I do not have a lot of personal experience with stuttering, I do not know anyone personally and I have never had fluency problems myself. What advice do you have to those who do not stutter and how to relate to children who do. I know nothing can beat the experience that these children would have with an adult who is a PWS but what can I do as a future clinician? What did you find the most beneficial while you were in therapy? Again, thank you so much for sharing this amazing experience!
Thanks,
Katie
Hi Katie – I only did therapy as an adult and only for two years. It was with graduate students like yourself. I think what helped me in therapy was two things – part of our therapy considered of group with other adults who stutter and that had a big impact on me. before starting therapy and finding the NSA in my early 40’s, I had never met another person who stutters. To be in a group with 10+ other people was so affirming for me, that I wasn’t the only one and that other people who stuttered shared some of the same fears and worries that I did.
The other thing I found useful in therapy that the SLP did to relate to me was that she/they tried whatever they were asking me to do, as my suggestion. Particularly voluntary stuttering – if they tried it and felt the awkwardness and tension, they seemed better able to relate to me re: the feelings of stuttering. Many student SLPs I worked with mentioned that voluntary stuttering was quite difficult for them to do. They didn’t like how it felt and some said they felt like they were making fun of me. I appreciated that they were willing to try what they wanted me to try. It made things a little easier.
I think if you can, try to get some teens or kids who stutter to meet your kids that stutter, even for just a short while. It makes a big difference.
Pam
Hi Pamela,
I am currently a SLP graduate student and while I have very little experience with stuttering and PWS, I have enjoyed what I have learned so far. I also thoroughly enjoyed your article as you were so transparent and the joy felt by both you and the kids was evident. It seems as if allowing the children a time and space to speak freely about their stutter and to relate to one another, as well as to you, was extremely beneficial. From a therapy/counseling standpoint, how would you recommend a SLP addresses those same thoughts and feelings with a PWS? I believe honesty and communication are the key for many positive breakthroughs, but in your case, I feel the children felt safe and understood because of the fact that you are a person who stutters. So how would you advise I approach and relate to PWS in therapy?
Hi – good question. I would suggest that you approach and relate to people who stutter the same way you would approach anyone else. We stutter – it’s something we do, not who we are. I think if you approach PWS with kindness, respect and patience, you will find that you’ll get a good response from the individual. As a PWS, I just want to be heard and dealt with respectfully. Maintain eye contact, show you’re understanding by nodding periodically and if you really don’t understand something, ask the person to repeat it. Don’t pretend to understand something when you really don’t.
Hope that is helpful. -Pam
Hi Pamela!
I really enjoyed reading about your experience with the children. It is great to know that the Skype chat benefited you as well as them. As a graduate student in an SLP program, we learn how important it is to normalize stuttering and to be open and share. As a person who does not stutter, I wonder sometimes if I will be an effective clinician in the future with individuals who stutter due to my lack of experience. Is there any advice you could give me in being able to make those types of connections? I loved reading that the children were gaining confidence from their interaction with you- I’m sure that was an amazing feeling to know you influenced their lives in such a short amount of time. I can only hope that I will be able to provide motivation and support confidence and acceptance in my future career as a speech-language pathologist. Thank you so much for sharing this experience.
-Dalma
Hi Dalma – many of the SLP students in this forum have asked me the same question. I’ve tried to respond helpfully. Just be yourself. Approach a person who stutters the same way you would anyone else. Show patience, kindness, respect and good eye contact. Also, show you’re understanding by nodding periodically and if you really don’t understand something, ask the person to repeat it. Don’t pretend to understand something when you really don’t. Also be upfront – tell the person you have little experience with stuttering. The person will probably sense it anyway. One of my first student SLPs told me I was her first stuttering client – knowing that made it important for me to help her feel at ease. I know that many new SLPs can feel intimidated by stuttering – it’s hard to work with since there is no quick fix or cure, and there are so many emotional complexities. it’s important that the SLP and person who stutters set mutual, realistic goals that are going to benefit the client, not just satisfy a class assignment. Hope this is helpful. -Pam
Hi Pamela!
I love that your focus is about building confidence and normalizing stuttering. I have found during my graduate studies that this approach can be so beneficial for CWS in the long run. It is so great to read an experience where this approach has been so successful for so many children in such a short period of time. Often times though, I have found in treatment it is difficult to find adults or older peers who stutter to model this confidence. As a person who does not stutter I am unable to fully relate to the emotions and hidden aspects of stuttering in ways that others who stutter might be able to. I would love some suggestions about how to build this confidence and normalize stuttering when I may not have the opportunity to bring in or provide this model.
Hi Kelsey – refer to a few of my comments above as several students are asking similar questions. You may not be able to bring in a person who stutters, but consider technology. These days, Skype and Google hangout and other internet forums make it easy to bring somebody in from afar. If there is a local NSA chapter in your area, I would reach out to them and see if someone would be willing to come in and meet your kids and talk to them. If there is not a local chapter around, ask around and find someone who would be willing to do it via technology. I’d be!! I am speaking to a SLP graduate class via Skype in November that is a different state than me, but I am sure it will feel like we’re in the same room, as I’ve done this many times before.
Also, normalizing stuttering can be achieved just simply by talking about it. Many times, people who stutter don’t get a chance to talk about it or how it feels to anyone in “their world.” Talking about with someone who is patient and understanding and doesn’t shy away from it makes a big difference. Remember that – just listening is a great normalizer. -Pam
Hi Pamela,
Thank you for telling your experience with these children who stutter–I think it is very enlightening and proves a great point for how to improve their confidence! I am a graduate student in SLP and I have a question for you regarding how to help these children most as an SLP who does not stutter. Besides having an open discussion about their stuttering and exposing them to adults who stutter, what, in your experience, is the most lacking part of speech therapy that children who stutter could benefit from?
Thank you!
Lisa
Hi Lisa – to be honest, I am not sure what type of therapy is used for children who stutter. I didn’t have therapy as a child and haven’t sat in on any sessions with kids who stutter. My guess would be that kids could benefit from talking about their feelings about stuttering as much as possible. When I was a kid, it was so isolating to NOT have anyone to talk to about stuttering. I felt weird and awkward and really wanted/needed/craved someone to talk to me and listen to me. I bet kids are still like that – hopeful that someone will acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that they are not weird misfits that don’t fit in anywhere. Talking about stuttering normalizes it, so even if you don’t have much experience with stuttering, being a good, nonjudgmental listener goes a long way. -Pam
Hi Pam,
Thank you, so much, for your delightful paper. The pleasure you experienced in meeting/chatting with the children shines through your article like a beacon.
It is obvious that such a venture was mutually beneficial – with both you and the youngsters deriving immense satisfaction. I’m not surprised that many of the kids considered it to be a highlight of their time at the camp. I was hugely impressed by your communications skills (and ability to connect) when you interviewed me for the inaugural episode of your “men who stutter” podcasts back in 2011. (Was it really 5 years ago? Time really does fly when you are enjoying yourself. 🙂
Of course, we should never become dependent upon the approbation of others, but it sure feels nice when someone comments favourably upon our actions, or provides positive feedback. 🙂
It was apparent that the children’s confidence increased considerably during their week in that supportive group environment, where camaraderie and acceptance prevailed. But, as many PWS well know, it is sometimes difficult to hold onto those gains when we return into the outside world.
I have one question – were any measures put in place for them to continue receiving support/encouragement once the seminar ended? Routine exposure to challenges can help us to address our fears and/or feelings of uncertainty/self-doubt. The acquisition of social skills and other resources will prove to be of prime importance if they are to successfully progress along a pathway of personal development and a more expansive lifestyle.
Pam, your work within the stuttering community is simply outstanding. You have achieved (and contributed) so much in recent times. Please be assured that your sterling efforts are greatly appreciated. They impact widely upon the lives of so many.
Thank you!
Kindest regards
Alan
Hi Alan – thanks for reading and for the very kind feedback. We really should find a reason to catch up again and talk, either over phone or Skype.
I am not sure what, if any measures, were put in place for follow up after the one week camp. I think these were kids who had visited the speech clinic during the regular school year, so perhaps they would have rejoined therapy once the school year started and had a chance to follow up on the camp experience. I will ask my friend about that.
-Pam
Hi Pam,
I am an SLP graduate student in my first fluency class. To add to that I am now in a school placement with my first fluency client. The child was initially seen for speech sound goals, yet family and teachers reported disfluencies at home and in the classroom. Since the beginning of the school year, the student’s stuttering has became significantly more severe. When talking to the child, they don’t seem to want to discuss their stuttering. What suggestions do you have to introduce this topic into conversation that is inviting?
Thanks for your help!
Hi – what a good question. Sometimes kids don’t want to talk about their stuttering because then they have to acknowledge it, and acknowledging it then makes it real and something to deal with. Why is the child in therapy? Because he/she wants to be or because the parents want them there?
I think an inviting way to bring up stuttering with a kid who doesn’t want to talk might be to invite one of the many great books about stuttering that are out there. Depending on the child’s age, there are kids books like “Stuttering Stan Takes A Stand” and “Hooray for Aiden” for the younger set, and young adult books like “Tending to Grace” and “Paperboy.” I think introducing really good books to therapy sessions will open up lines of communication and get the kid to talk about what they liked about the book. If you do a search on Amazon under children’s stuttering books, you’ll find others too. Hope that is helpful. -Pam
Hello, Pamela,
Thank you for sharing your experience speaking with children who stutter. I cannot imagine how rewarding it must have been to engage in a true back and forth honest dialogue with those children about your experiences and theirs. I am currently in graduate school studying to become a speech-language pathologist. Is there any advice you would give a future SLP in how to create this kind of connection with PWS? As I have not personally experienced what is it like to be a PWS, how do I instill a similar degree of trust with my clients?
I look forward to reading your response!
-Katie
Hi Pamela!
I’m a grad student in speech pathology and I’m currently taking a fluency class. It was really interesting to read how you had such a positive impact with these children. Do you have any suggestions for us as new clinicians without much experience with stuttering? I have not yet worked with anyone who stutters, so based on your experience, what is one thing you would want me to know about talking with someone who stutters or providing speech therapy?
Hi Katie – good luck on your journey and I hope you get a client who stutters soon. One thing I would want you to know about talking with someone who stutters or providing therapy is that stuttering is so much more than what comes out of our mouths. The feelings beneath the surface can be more troublesome than the actual moments of stuttering, which are done in seconds. But the feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment, sometimes hopelessness – they linger and sometimes consume our thoughts. Talking to someone who stutters has to include an acknowledgment of those feelings somehow. Maybe getting a picture of the Iceberg Analogy of Stuttering and going over that with someone who stutters might be a good way to initiate dialogue. Also, as I suggested in an above comment, maybe introducing some books about stuttering could invite conversation and get the person who stutters to open up about how they might have some of the same feelings as a character in the book does. I find that some of the children’s books about stuttering are really helpful. I’ve even used them in presentations I’ve done to kids who don’t stutter. I do that at least once a year to teach kids about differences and talk about teasing and bullying prevention.
Hi Pam,
This is your second paper that I’ve read and I have thoroughly enjoyed both! I am a second year graduate student still getting my feet wet working with children and have yet to work with a child who stutters. I loved your story about engaging with children who stutter in an open and supportive environment; it was so inspiring. My concerns as a future SLP would be that a child who stutters might not be as willing to open up to a person who does not stutter. Were there any questions in particular that the children responded to or did you have any experiences with a speech-language pathologist that were memorable and supportive? Thanks!
Hi Sarah – thanks for acknowledging my papers and reading both. I appreciate that. I didn’t have therapy as a child except for 3 or so months in 3rd grade which was so unremarkable that I don’t remember anything about it except the therapist had the same first name as me. I did not have therapy again until my early 40’s, after deciding I could not live as a covert stutterer anymore.
I really wish that I had had effective therapy as a kid. I would have had someone to talk to about stuttering and wouldn’t have felt that it was such a taboo subject. No one in my family ever talked about it with me, so I felt it was the elephant in the room as I was growing up.
As an adult, I do remember experiences with one SLP in particular who I consider the best I had. I attended a college fluency clinic and this one student SLP I had was great. She allowed me to focus on acceptance and feelings and attitudes, rather than fluency shaping techniques, which her class was expected to show that they had mastered via their clients. She did not make me spend time on learning speech tools that we both knew I wasn’t likely to use. Rather, we talked a lot about how hiding my stuttering for so many years had made me feel and also what “coming out” felt like. We spent an intensive weekend workshop together exploring shame and it’s deep impact on me, and that was truly memorable and supportive. -Pam
Hello Pamela,
I was very excited to see your papers submitted on the ISAD page. I am a Speech-Language Pathology graduate student and one of our assignments for our stuttering course was to find blog/website about stuttering, and I fell in love with yours, “Make Room for Stuttering.” I think that it is so great that you have been able to share your experiences, thoughts, and feelings about your stutter in such a public forum so that others can learn from you and have valuable conversations with you. I can imagine that you have touched many lives with your blog.
It is also very clear that you are touching even more lives outside of your blog as well! It is my understanding that you had troubles accepting your stutter for many years of your life, so I think it is so great that you were able to reach out to kids who stutter as such a young age. This camp sounds like such a fun, unique opportunity! My goal for my future clients who stutter is to make communication and talking a fun experience for them. I would love to get more information about this camp because it seems like such a great idea to get a big group of kids together so that they have other kids that can relate to their stutter (it sort of reminds me of NSA meetings or other groups for adults who stutter).
For schools/areas where these camps are not available, do you have any additional advice about how to boost kid’s confidence about communication/stuttering? Or ways a SLP could reach out to their peers in order to normalize stuttering?
Thanks for sharing!
Abby
Hi Abby – I am so excited to hear that you found my blog and that you “fell in love” with it. What an awesome piece for feedback for me to get. If you don’t know, I also host a podcast for women who stutter, to give women a chance to share their stories and have a voice. The podcast is attached to the blog and also available on iTunes.
Several students have asked similar questions, looking for advice on how to boost kids confidence about communication/stuttering. I’ve made suggestions in some previous responses. I think the number one tip is to get and keep kids who stutter talking. That’s what would have worked for me as a kid who grew up in isolation with no one to talk to about stuttering. Because I felt so alone, I withdrew and began to hide my stuttering at an early age. That lasted all the way up to my 40’s, so I wasted a lot of time.
Kids need to talk about how they feel about stuttering with someone who understands stuttering and has a patient, empathic, listening ear. It’s hard to get kids talking about stuttering so, like I suggested above, maybe bring in some of the excellent books that are out there on stuttering and invite conversations based on them. Depending on the kids ages, there are young kids books, like “Stuttering Stan Takes A Stand” and “Hooray for Aiden.” There are two young adult books that are great for pre-teens and teens that I love – “Tending to Grace” and “Paperboy.” I think they are all well written and realistic and would be good conversation starters.
I’m not exactly sure what you mean by ways a SLP could reach out to their peers to normalize stuttering, unless you’re talking about bringing in non-stuttering kids to a therapy session, which I think would be a SUPER idea. Ask your CWS if they have a best friend or two that might like to join him or her in a meeting with you. Make it special – have snacks or candy!! Ask your cws to explain about stuttering and what you are doing in therapy. Ask the friends if they have any questions and maybe even have the friends try voluntary stuttering to “try it on.” Hope these ideas help. -Pam
Hi Pam!
Thank you for sharing your experience with us and the children at the camp. How old were you when you first met someone else who stuttered? Did anything change for you after this experience? I never thought about the lack of interaction between adults and children who stutter before. This will be beneficial to my future practice as an SLP when working with children who stutter. Having them interact with adults who stutter during therapy or a group therapy session would be a good idea, especially if they have a lack of experience with other people who stutter. Thanks!
Alyssa
Hi Alyssa – good questions. I was 44 when I first met another person who stuttered. It was life changing for me, as I finally knew that I was not the only one. I became good friends with the first person I met and soon after that I attended my first NSA conference where I was surrounded by 500 people who stutter for the first time ever. It was overwhelming, scary, exciting and exhilarating all at the same time. And it was such a relief. I cried many tears over the 4 days of that first conference. That was in 2006 and I have been to every (11) NSA conference since then, not missing one.
I found myself immersed by the second year and actively involved with the community since then as well. I can’t imagine my life without some service to the stuttering community at this point. -Pam
Hi Pamela,
Wow! What a great experience for those kids. Having the children present facts about stuttering to their parents and talking to an adult who stutters, a very empowering experience for those children. That is a great way to teach self-advocacy skills. I would love to do this on a smaller level, in the future after SLP graduate school. I can see the benefits of using talk therapy in a group setting with children. Also showing them successful role models, such as yourself, who stutter and are active in the stuttering community. I recently heard the idea of a need for more exposure in the media of successful people who stutter. I think this is a great idea. I also think it would be nice for more education to occur in schools regarding stuttering. I personally had very little experience with people who stutter prior to pursing an education/career as an SLP.
Hi Stephanie – I couldn’t agree with you more. For the past 8 years, I have visited a middle school at least once a year and done presentations to students who don’t stutter about stuttering. I’ve talked about my story, had games and exercises for the kids, and even have a stuttering contest that we do at the end of the presentation. It’s a great experience, as it normalizes stuttering for kids who don’t stutter so they see it as just another difference in our world. I try to do them in October to coincide with International Stuttering Awareness Day or May to coincide with National Stuttering Awareness Week. My talks have always been very well received. Hope this is helpful. -Pam
I love the idea of a stuttering contest! It sounds like a good way to promote acceptance. Thanks for getting back to me
Hey Ms. Wertz!
Your advocacy for bringing normalcy to stuttering is amazing! I was best friends with the sister of someone who stuttered when I was growing up and looking back, it was something that wasn’t discussed or explained and I think it’s important to teach kids who don’t stutter that it’s okay, and that so many people have disfluencies. I hope those kids keep spreading awareness, just as you have to them! What do you think is the most important thing for those helping spread awareness can say?
Hi Nikki – haha, you have me named as Ms. Wertz, close, it’s Mertz. 🙂
I think the most important thing people spreading awareness about stuttering can say is: IT’S OK TO STUTTER. Those 4 simple words would have made a world of difference to me if I had heard them as a kid, even as a teen or young adult. It really is OK to be different, to “have” something that makes us unique, or stand out or memorable. The old saying that the world would be boring if we were all the same applies here.
Everyone has differences and we should spread awareness that people, including kids, need to be respectful and tolerant of differences, no matter what they are. Of course I’m biased towards stuttering because I stutter, but people don’t laugh at someone who is deaf or uses a wheelchair, yet it is still acceptable to laugh at stuttering. We can bring an end to that by being visible, being vocal and sharing our voices to make it heard that stuttering is OK. -Pam
Pamela,
I really enjoyed this article and the idea of those adults who stutter talking to children who stutter. As an SLP graduate student I can think back to my lectures on fluency and there was a slide on famous people who stutter. I am sure this gets kids excited and hopeful seeing influential people from Hollywood succeed with a stutter. However, I think it’s even more important that they get to talk to others who may not be classified as ‘famous’ because to me this would be an even more tangible goal to reach towards and to be influenced by. As well as just having a mentor that can truly understand what you go through day to day has to be something that could be so influential for a child who stutters. Thanks for sharing this!
Best Regards,
Brooke McBride
Hi Brooke – I have always been of the belief that “famous” people who stutter aren’t really realistic role models. Usually they don’t stutter anymore, so it’s sets up unrealistic goals for many people who stutter. I’m with you – regular, ordinary people who stutter leading successful lives are much better role models.
Pam
Hi Pamela!
I really liked your piece and thought it was super sweet what you did for those kids. After reading your article I do have a question though. What is the most common advice you give children who stutter about being comfortable with how they talk? I guess what i am asking is how do you assist these children, or anyone who stutters for that matter, in feeling comfortable in their own skin and with the way they talk?
Hi – it’s really tough to advise others who stutter since we are all individual with our stuttering. But the best thing is to meet others who stutter, so that the person doesn’t feel alone and realizes they are not the only one who stutters. I didn’t meet another person who stutters until I was in my early 40’s. Prior to that, I felt so isolated and weird, awkward and deeply desiring to hide my stuttering. Meeting others opened my world and allowed me to slowly accept ALL of me.
Pam
Hi Pamela,
It was inspiring to hear how much of an impact you made on the children at stuttering camp. I am sure it was nice for them to have someone to look up to since they might not have had many opportunities to talk to an AWS. I never thought how uncommon it is for children who stutter to talk with adults who stutter. I completely agree that adults who stutter can help normalize stuttering for children. Children who stutter might feel alone or feel that their stuttering is preventing them from having a successful future. Having an adult mentor they can meet with every now and then would be an effective way to provide support children need. Thank you for sharing!
-Heather