I don’t need to be fixed – what I wish the world understood about stammering

What is stammering?

Stammering is when someone finds it hard to talk smoothly. It means words might get stuck or take a long time to come out.

Here are some things that can help:

• Take deep breaths before speaking.
• Speak slowly. It is okay to take your time.
• Practice speaking in front of a mirror.
• Talk with a speech therapist, who can help.

Do lots of people stammer?

Can stammering be fixed?

Stammering means it is hard to talk without repeating or pausing. It can be tough.

Stammering cannot be "cured" like a cold. But, there are ways to make talking easier.

Here are some ways to help:

• Speech therapy: A special teacher can help with talking.
• Practice slowly: Talking slowly can help your words come out better.
• Use apps or tools: Some apps can help you practice speaking.
• Breathing exercises: Learning to breathe calmly can help when talking.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help. Everyone talks differently.

Is stammering a mental problem?

Stammering is not a mental problem. It is when someone finds it hard to talk smoothly. They may get stuck on sounds or words. It can feel worrying or frustrating.

Some people feel nervous when they stammer, but stammering itself is not caused by feelings or thoughts. It happens because of how the brain and speech muscles work together.

If you know someone who stammers, it's good to be patient and listen carefully. It might help them talk more easily.

Support tools, like talking slowly or practicing speech exercises, can make speaking easier. Speech therapists can also help.

Does Stuttering Affect How Smart You Are?

How can I talk to someone who stutters?

Do any famous people stutter?

Yes, some famous people do stutter. Stuttering is when someone has trouble speaking smoothly. Here are a few examples:

• King George VI: He was a king of England. He had a stutter but worked hard to speak clearly.
• Ed Sheeran: He is a singer and songwriter. He sometimes stuttered when he was a child.
• Emily Blunt: She is an actress. She had a stutter when she was young too.

These people did not let stuttering stop them. They found ways to speak better and keep doing what they love.

Here are some ways to help with stuttering:

• Speak slowly and take deep breaths.
• Practice speaking with friends or family.
• See a speech therapist for more help.

Remember, lots of people stutter and you can still be successful like these famous people.

Can Stuttering Come and Go?

Yes, sometimes people stutter more or less at different times.

Stuttering might change because of:

• Feelings - like being nervous or excited.
• Where you are - like at school or home.
• Who you are with - like talking to friends or a big group.

Things that can help:

• Take deep breaths and talk slowly.
• Practice speaking in easy situations first.
• Use apps or tools that help with speaking.
• Get support from a speech therapist.

Does stammering run in families?

Some people stammer because it can run in families. This means if someone in your family stammers, you might too. But not everyone in the family will have a stammer.

If you think you stammer, talking to a speech therapist can help. They can give you tips and exercises to make speaking easier.

Is it okay to finish sentences for someone who stutters?

When talking to someone who stutters, it is good to be patient.

Wait for them to finish their words.

This shows you care and are listening.

You can help by giving a smile and being kind.

Try not to rush them.

Will kids stop stuttering as they grow older?

Some kids might stop stuttering as they get older. This means they might find it easier to talk. Each child is different.

Some things can help:

• Talking slowly with your child
• Listening carefully when they speak
• Being patient and giving them time to talk
• Singing songs together

If you are worried, it can help to talk to a doctor or a speech therapist. A speech therapist is someone who helps with talking.

Does stammering only affect talking?

Who stammers more, boys or girls?

This means: Who finds it harder to speak without repeating sounds or words? Boys or girls?

Tips to help with reading:

• Read slowly one word at a time.
• Point to each word with your finger.
• Ask someone to read with you.

Can speech therapy help if you stammer?

How can I help a friend or family member who stutters?

If your friend or family member finds talking hard, be patient and listen carefully.

Here are some ways you can help:

• Be calm and give them time to speak.
• Look at them and show you are listening.
• Don't finish their words for them.
• Stay friendly and kind.
• You can ask them how you can help.

Some tools that might help are:

• Speech therapy can be useful.
• Using apps that make talking easier.

Remember, your support is important!