Supporting the mental health of children who stutter – part two

Stuttering impacts 70 million people around the world, including 9% of all children. Physically, stuttering can take the form of elongations, repetitions and blocks in speech, but it can also have an effect on mental health and wellbeing. Children who stutter may experience isolation, self-esteem and confidence issues, social anxiety, and even self-harm or suicidal ideation. This highlights the need for more conversations around supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children who stutter. 

This episode of the second in a two-part series on supporting the mental health of children who stutter. Host Nicole Rollbusch is joined by Rich Stephens, President of SAY:Australia (the Stuttering Association for the Young – Australia), and Mitchell, who has been involved with SAY:Australia for the past four years, originally as a participant and now as a mentor to other children and young people who stutter. 

In this episode, Rich and Mitchell talk about the helpful ways people in their lives have supported them over the years, their experiences working with SAY:Australia and their advice to children who are growing up speaking with a stutter. 

In this episode you will learn: 

• About some unhelpful and helpful ways people have supported Rich and Mitchell [0:37] 
• What SAY:Australia provides to the wellbeing of children who stutter [17:24] 
• What Rich and Mitchell want children growing up speaking with a stutter to know [28:32]

Further information and resources: 

SAY:Australia

Supporting the mental health of children who stutter – part one [podcast]

The Time it Takes – The Stuttering Association for the Young Australia

My Stammering Tap

My Stammering Child