Whether you’re familiar with it or not, stuttering is a somewhat rare (yet still noteworthy) problem nowadays. Over 70 million people (1% of the world’s population) suffer from the symptoms of stuttering, including myself. Stuttering occurs in different forms, and is primarily seen in the following ways: the repetition of sounds (mmmy name is Ryan), repeating a syllable (my name is Ry-Ry-Ry-Ryan), or even a complete pause, or “block”, in the speech pattern. Since it is not a very widely understood problem, there are quite a few misconceptions and myths about stuttering and how those who suffer with it prefer to be treated. Therefore, as a stutterer myself, here are 13 things I wish people knew about my stuttering.
#1. It’s not a mental problem
One of the biggest misguided beliefs about stuttering is that it is a mental disability or a sign of lesser intelligence. The truth is we are having an issue with saying what needs to be said, not thinking of what to say. The IQs of those who stutter have actually been found to be 14 points higher than the average non-stutterer, according to certain studies by Psych Central. Do with that information as you wish.
#2. No, I did not “have to think about it" or “forget what to say”
I cannot count how many times someone has asked me what my name is, and then when I have a “pause” in answering the person, he or she asks what took me so long or if I forgot my name. It’s not mean-spirited (usually), but just uninformed, and I really hope it will end soon.
#3. It doesn’t necessarily mean I’m nervous or stressed
While stuttering can occur in “normal” people when they get nervous or are in a stressful situation, it is not necessarily true for those who have a chronic stuttering problem. Quite simply, it happens no matter what the situation is, and the situation is just an added influence.
#4. I don’t need to “take a deep breath” or “think before I speak”
As much as it might seem like a kind thing to do, please don’t try to give is advice. If we’re stuttering, we’ve been doing it for a while, and we know what does and doesn’t work.
#5. Please don’t try to guess what we're trying to say
Similar to what I said in Point #4, please don’t try to help fix the awkwardness of having someone stutter when talking to you by guessing what they’re trying to say. We understand, and while you could probably guess it correctly, it discounts our effort to speak, and that’s not a good thing.
#6. Patience is greatly appreciated; it’s just a matter of time before I’ll say it
Quite simply, just wait for us to get through it, and then the conversation can go on. When I’m stuttering, seeing someone with an understanding and patient expression is so reassuring, and it’s a non-verbal encouragement. Also, you can think of it as us building up the suspense or, better yet, the drumroll for a joke!
#7. It’s related to neurophysiological factors and genetics
The real cause is more physical than mental, and it is genetically transferred in certain cases. There are different causes for stuttering, and each one has a unique way of treating it.
#8. There really is no surefire way to control it
I’ve had speech therapy since I was in kindergarten, and it’s still present. I do, however, have a better knowledge of the problem and some “strategies” of how to try to lessen it.
#9. Many of us can sing better than we talk
While it might not make sense, it is a very common case that people who stutter can sing without having any issues in their rhythm or song patterns (or flow, for you rap fans out there). Harrison Craig (pictured) won Season 2 of The Voice Australia with a stutter, and he's one of many who have auditioned for similar shows.
#10. Some great people had a stuttering problem at one point or another
Numerous A-list celebs have had stuttering problems at some point in their lives. Emily Blunt, Jimmy Stewart, Kendrick Lamar, Ed Sheeran, Shaquille O’Neal, and so many others suffered from it, and look what they’ve achieved!
#11. We’re great at beat-boxing and/or we can have a sense of humor about it
Like many other people with noticeable issues, there are quite a few people who stutter that can make jokes at their own expense, including myself and recent America's Got Talent comedian Drew Lynch (pictured). Obviously not all of us do, but it does give us some good comedic material! Just give us a chance, and we may surprise you with what we’ll say!
#12. We are Oscar-worthy!
As a movie fan, I had to put this point in there. With Colin Firth’s Oscar-winning performance in 2010's The King’s Speech (pictured) and 2016’s Stutterer winning Best Live-Action Short Film, the entertainment industry is doing a terrific job of getting the word out (stuttering joke intended) about the issue.
So hopefully this post has helped you learn some good and bad things about stuttering. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and it’s nothing to be taken passingly either. Also, it’s a great thing to learn more about, and I’d love to talk to anyone who has questions!
