commentr/StutterJuly 14, 2020

Content

Along with the previous comments and suggestions, here's what I wish someone told my parents when I (19 F w/ a severe stutter) was growing up: 1. Never put her into a social situation she's uncomfortable with (i.e: put her in the spotlight). Always ask beforehand if she wants to speak in front of people like at a family event, etc. 2. Never let her think she's less of a human being, always tell her she is loved and equal to everyone else. 3. If someone asks about her stutter, politely say that she is doing her best to communicate and/or it is not their business how she speaks. 4. Always advocate for her; sometimes she may be afraid to. Don't be afraid to call ignorant people out for being a dick about your kid's stutter. 5. Let her come to you to talk about her speech when she's older, sometimes we aren't ready to talk about it and are still kind of in denial about how it affects our lives (it took me 18 years to begin opening up and talking about my stutter as a part of who I am) 6. Make sure to educate any family members around her age (siblings, cousins) because they won't understand right away why she stutters. Tell them that everybody talks differently. I like to compare it to how people from different countries or states have accents. People from NY and Boston say "park" or "car" differently, and the same thing applies to kids. Teaching them at a young age about her stutter will help avoid any rejection or awkwardness between her family. 7. If you live in the states, **be prepared to fight the school system tooth and nail** trying to get her a speech therapist/extra help like an IEP. I saw maybe 2-3 out of 6 of the therapists that were assigned for me, but my parents never knew so I never got the proper help. if you are financially able to, have her work with a good SLP outside the school system and build a strong relationship with them. Consistency is key with speech therapy, and it will make her feel more supported because she'll have someone in her life that she can truly open up to about her stutter. 8. If she still stutters as she gets older, introduce the idea of going to regular therapy. Acceptance is a long, hard journey, but a therapist can help her navigate through the mental obstacles that are associated with living as a PWS. I know this is a lot to take in, but these are all I can think of. But feel free to reach out if you need any more advice! You're already off to a good start by asking this sub! Best of luck and health to you and your family! :)

Themes

Therapy & ProfessionalCauses & VariabilityCoping & AdvocacyIdentity & Disability

Subthemes

Positive Therapy TechniquesTrauma & PsychologicalMindfulness & BreathingGenetic & Family FactorsIdentity & Self-PerceptionAcceptance & Pride