San Marcos Graduate Student Launches Support Group

About 1 in 30 children stutter at some point, and at least one-quarter of children who stutter do NOT “develop out of it.” If these children receive appropriate therapy at an early age, it is possible that most will NOT become adult stutterers.

The National Stuttering Association recently launched a new local chapter in San Marcos to support local people who stutter, their family members, and those who serve them, including speech-language pathologists. Meeting attendees will learn about stuttering and explore new ways to cope with stuttering in a safe environment.

“As a graduate student in Speech Language Pathology, I was lucky enough to be a part of the Comprehensive Stuttering Therapy Program (CSTP) at Texas State University.

Unfortunately, apart from the Austin chapter, residents in San Marcos, college students at Texas State, and others in surrounding areas do not have this support, as most are unable to drive to Austin during a weekday night,” says Chapter Leader Rachel Keithley.

“I learned from this experience the importance of having a group of likeminded people working towards a common goal provides not only support, but also education, advocacy, and friendship. I look forward to helping establish this chapter to encourage community for people who stutter in the San Marcos area!”

Meetings of the San Marcos Chapter will be held monthly on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the San Marcos Public Library, 625 E. Hopkins St San Marcos, TX 78666.

About one percent of the population stutters at any given time, and approximately five percent of people experience stuttering at some point in their lives.

While the causes of stuttering are unknown, it is primarily a neurological disorder and is genetic in some cases. Support group participation helps reduce the negative effects of stuttering and enhances the success of speech therapy.

The National Stuttering Association works closely with speech professionals and refers people who stutter to speech-language pathologists who have the specialized qualifications needed for effective treatment.

Early intervention for children who stutter
About 1 in 30 children stutter at some point, and at least one-quarter of children who stutter do NOT “develop out of it.” If these children receive appropriate therapy at an early age, it is possible that most will NOT become adult stutterers.

Experts now recommend that children who stutter begin speech therapy as early as age 3 or 4. However, parents still get bad advice from some pediatricians (and even some speech therapists) to defer speech therapy until it may be more difficult to prevent chronic, life-long stuttering.

The National Stuttering Association is the world’s largest stuttering support organization dedicated to providing support and resources to people who stutter.

Chapter meetings are open to those who stutter, parents/significant others/friends of stutterers, speech-language pathologists, and anyone who wants to learn more about stuttering.

For additional information, Sarah Armstrong, sarah@turkscap.com or (224) 305-2701.

More information about the National Stuttering Association is available at: http://www.westutter.org.