By Beds SU
Friday, 13 October 2023
A Stammer can affect both childhood and adulthood. But what is it?
Here we’ll go over just that, support available and what we can do to best accommodate those with it.
WHAT IS A STAMMER?
Stammering, also referred to as stuttering in other countries, affects a person’s speech.
Signs of stammering can be someone repeating or getting stuck when trying to say sounds or words. But it is different from the occasional repetition that everybody experiences.
According to the Michael Palin Centre for Stammering about 8% of children will stammer at some point. For the majority of children this will be temporary. However, it can affect up to 2% of those in adulthood.
Stammering can change from one day to the next and may depend on who they are talking to or the situation they are in.
WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?
If you suspect that you may be showing traits of a stammer then you can email the Health and Well-being Team (HWBT). HWBT can also advise you on how to access a diagnoses of the condition through your GP.
For students who are already diagnosed with a stammer, the University can provide a Learning and Teaching Support Agreement (LTSA). An LTSA outlines support a student will receive during their studies. This can include information for your lecturers to support you, extra time during exams, the option to record lectures and more. Each agreement will vary depending your condition.
The HWBT can also assist you with applying for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) if eligible. DSA can provide technology and software to assist students with their Specific Learning Difficulties, specialist one to one study skills support and other forms of help. This again depends on your condition.
For further information please see theStudent Support page.
There’s also external support from charities at the bottom of the article.
WHAT CAN WE DO AS INDIVIDUALS?
There are many ways we can support those who stammer and Stamma.Org have advice on things to remember when in conversation with someone who stammers, which we have summarised below.
Try and keep in mind that someone’s stammer may vary depending on the circumstance. Be aware of this when meeting new people in your dorms or classes. Don’t be afraid to ask them how you can make it easier for them.
Also when talking to someone with a stammer, remember to be patient and provide time for them to speak and finish their sentence. Likewise, don’t interrupt or speak over them and maintain natural eye contact to show you’re really paying attention.
You can become more informed about Stammering using the external links below.
EXTERNAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE
• Stamma – Charity that supports those of all ages who stammer
• Action for Stammering Children – a UK charity providing a Helpline, Specialist Assessment Services and Training Speech and Language Therapists for children who stammer