INTERNATIONAL STAMMERING AWARENESS DAY 22 ND OCTOBER 2014 INFORMATION

Going green for ISAD People are encouraged to use sea green to mark International Stammering Awareness Day on 22nd October

What is a stammer? Approximately one person in every hundred stammers and you may think that most of these people stammer in the same way…...

In fact, people stammer in different ways so that the term 'stammering' covers a wide range of behaviours……

One person may get blocked or stuck on a certain word or sound,

another may repeat sounds,

another may go back in speech and take a run at the difficult word

and yet another may do all of these things and many more

What can you do to help? Top tips when talking to people who stammer Be patient – whilst you may be tempted to finish a person’s sentences – this is not helpful, just listen as you would normally

It is OK to stammer – please don’t give advice such as slow down or relax

If you are not sure how to respond, ask the speaker - but always do this sensitively and in a way that leaves the speaker in control.

It’s really helpful to keep natural eye contact with the person who stammers

What help is available?

A registered charity Run by people who stammer Runs a helpline for teenagers, adults, parents, friends, partners, teachers, health visitors and employers Provides information and self-help services – go to BRITISH STAMMERING ASSOCIATION

British Stammering Association’s brand new website

People who stammer love social media

Therapy NHS speech therapy for children and adults – contact British Stammering Association Courses at City Lit Speech Therapy(centre of excellence for stammering therapy) Other therapies -see

HELPLINE REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER /SC REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER