For SLPs
Speech-Language Pathology professionals (Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), or informally speech therapists, specialize in communication disorders as well as swallowing disorders. Below are first-person stories, thoughts, and wishes that show the courage of some of the youngsters who have joined our organization.Research Corner
Why recommend a Friends Convention to young people who stutter? We partnered with researchers at the University of Iowa to understand the positive impact our conventions have on children and teenagers who stutter. They found the following five results:
- Children and teenagers built strong relationships and a sense of community in a safe environment.
- Collaborative learning facilitated personal growth.
- Communicative and cognitive changes persisted beyond the convention.
- Hearing and sharing personal stories increased self-acceptance and acceptance of others.
- Living with stuttering can be hard, but the convention helped normalize stuttering.
I was a little scared…and I did it anyway!
Young people who stutter show us acts of courage on a daily basis. They often make choices that may increase their risk of being uncomfortable, feeling different and possibly ending up at the receiving end of ridicule. Friends would like to honor these acts of...
Is Stuttering Worth Changing
Reflections on why stuttering may be worth changing and why stuttering may not be worth changing.
Siblings Speak
Don’t overdo stuff — Chloe, 12 years old
I was a little scared…and I did it anyway!
Young people who stutter show us acts of courage on a daily basis. They often make choices that may increase their risk of being uncomfortable, feeling different and possibly ending up at the receiving end of ridicule. Friends would like to honor these acts of...
Wishes for Others – Denver
Dear Ian, I wish you were a millionaire! Plus cool hat! Also I wish you would never be bullied again. From, Evan Dear Wraith (chase), I hope you learn stuttering techniques. Your friend,Ian To: Ian honey badger Hope to be your captain next year and bring your shirt....
Parent’s Thoughts
Be open about your stuttering; talk about it, it’s ok.
Stuttering Secrets Shared at a Convention
“Although a large majority of the time I do not focus on my stuttering, I still find myself avoiding and becoming very frustrated and embarrassed when my stuttering surfaces. I am not comfortable with openly stuttering.”
Wishes for Self – Denver
Parents: Meet new people and help others any way I can My daughter will go to the group she is most comfortable in Young Adult or Teen. Help someone else or another family realize what I have and that stuttering is just another part of him. My best hope for this...