In a lively discussion about stuttering, the episode shines a light on the often-overlooked community of individuals who stutter. Our guests, Christine Rose, Jamie Saunders-Anglin, and Molly Porzel, offer a wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes that enrich the conversation.

• Christine, a seasoned speech-language pathologist, drives home the point that stuttering is not merely a speech problem but a condition with deep-rooted genetic ties. This insight shifts the narrative from one of shame to one of understanding, emphasizing that stuttering is a natural variation rather than a defect.
• Jamie's experiences as a mother of a child who stutters add a poignant layer to the dialogue, as she recounts the challenges and triumphs of her family's journey towards acceptance. Her advocacy led to significant changes, including the introduction of a speech-related medical alert to your driver's license to inform law enforcement and first responders about your stutter, aimed at preventing misunderstandings in high-stress situations, such as encounters with law enforcement.
• Meanwhile, Molly brings in a unique perspective as both a wife and a mother within the stuttering community, discussing the social and emotional impacts on children and the importance of instilling confidence and self-advocacy from a young age.

This episode is a powerful reminder that while stuttering presents challenges, it also fosters resilience, community, and a rich tapestry of human experience.

[00:00] Introduction to Stuttering

[00:48] Welcome to St. Louis in Tune

[02:44] Meet Our Guests

[04:10] Understanding Stuttering

[10:25] Personal Stories and Experiences

[11:56] Support and Advocacy

[21:55] Medical Alert Initiative

[28:58] Brief Break and Sponsor Message

[29:24] Better Rate Mortgage Ad

[30:09] Welcome Core Initiative

[31:01] National Stuttering Association Conference

[36:54] Local Support Groups for Stuttering

[49:51] Mental Floss and Fun Facts

[51:04] National Days and Podcast Information

[53:02] Humorous Jokes and Closing Remarks

Takeaways:

• About 1% of adults stutter in the U.S., which is around 3 million people, wow!
• Stuttering is more common in males than in females, with a ratio of about 4:1.
• There isn't a universal cure for stuttering; it's a complex issue that varies for everyone.
• The National Stuttering Association works hard to reduce stigma and support those who stutter.
• Self-advocacy plays a crucial role for individuals who stutter, helping them communicate their needs better.
• The new medical alert program for driver's licenses helps law enforcement understand stuttering better.

• WeStutter - National Stuttering Association Home Page
• WeStutter - St Louis Teens Chapter
• WeStutter - St Louis Family Chapter
• Facebook - WeStutter
• YouTube - WeStutter
• Instagram - WeStutter
• Pinterest - WeStutter
• National Stuttering Association | LinkedIn

This is Season 8! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#stuttering #nationalstutteringassociation #nsa #stutteringsupports #InternationalStutteringAwarenessDay #slp #speechlanguagepathologist