International Stuttering Awareness Day was initiated in 1998. Every year October 22 is dedicated to people who stutter. It was started to raise awareness of the problems faced by people who stutter. The theme for 2019 is “Growth Through Speaking”. This year’s theme propounded to understand that one can grow however he/she wishes. The issue cannot stop them but can be treated.
70 million people all over the world have this speech disability. Among this, 80% are male while 20% are female. It is divided into 2 categories i.e. developmental and acquired. Developmental stuttering is more common that develops during childhood. Acquired stuttering can be caused at any age due to certain mental conditions like Epilepsy, progressive neurological disease, etc.
The condition can be developed due to different causes. It can be a hereditary problem i.e. genetical component being responsible for it. It is caused due to disruptions in the segments of the brain that controls the speech. Delay in the development during childhood may also result in stuttering. Other reasons include stress, trauma, or a shock of losing a parent. Conditions like Epilepsy can also cause stuttering.
Significance of this day is clearing the myths about this condition like it is caused due to shyness or anxiety and helps to eradicate the stigma. Through this day, people who stutter get support and enlighten with resources that can help them. It reduces their loneliness. National Stuttering Association, is formed where everyone can share their experiences and challenges faced.
There are some myths about the causes of the condition. Some of these include nervousness, it may cause some halt while speaking, but it is not the cause. Shyness can be a reason for less speaking but not for stuttering. The condition is not a habit in fact it’s a neurological condition, like Epilepsy. It does not relate to level intelligence. The speech disorder cannot be an outcome of bad parenting.
Come together to help the people who have such speech disability. Let’s educate people about this complex disorder, Let’s work together to prevent stuttering in children, let people acknowledge that help is available, get ready to promote research to diagnose the exact causes of this condition. Attend the online conference hosted by the International Stuttering Association.
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