MEMPHIS, Tenn. (OSBORNE) -- You may not be aware that one of the world’s premier stuttering advocacy organizations is located here in Tennessee unless you or a family member happens to be one of the 70 million people worldwide who struggle with stuttering.
Memphis based Stuttering Foundation President Jane Fraser says awareness of stuttering has grown considerably in recent years, thanks in large part to the 2010 film, The King’s Speech. Colin Firth played the part of British Monarch King George the VI who wrestled with a severe stutter.
The Foundation provides stuttering information in 33 languages to more than 130 nations, makes therapist referrals in 59 countries, trains therapists, supports research, and has an online library of self-help videos.
Fraser says one of the messages the Foundation stresses is that early intervention is key to helping a child who stutters.
“We want to get the children into therapy fairly quickly, whether the therapist will work directly with the child or whether the therapist will just give tips to the parents of ways to interact with that child depends on the severity of the stuttering.”
The Stuttering Foundation of Memphis has a 15 minute video specifically for parents who suspect their child is stuttering. You can find that video and the organization’s other, extensive online resources, at StutteringHelp.org.
International Stuttering Awareness Day is Sunday, October 22.