New DVD features real kids who stutter

Kids who stutter have a lot to say, and friends can show them how in “Stuttering: For Kids By Kids,” a DVD starring real kids who stutter, available at most public libraries.

Many children who stutter have never met anyone else who struggles with the same disability. But in this DVD from the Stuttering Foundation, they meet other kids who recount how they handle challenges such as teasing, speaking out in class, and teaching others about stuttering.

The children, who range in age from first-graders to high school students, offer frank and sometimes differing views of stuttering.

For example, Matthew, age 10, says about his speech difficulties, “It’s no big deal;” but Kate, age 9, worries about talking, what is going to happen next and whether or not she’ll stutter. Arianne, age 14, says, “The hardest part about stuttering is to get through it and to stay in there when you’re stuck.”

“All those interested in helping kids learn more about stuttering will want to see this tape,” said speech-language pathologist Bill Murphy of Purdue University. “The children featured are a perfect example of how to openly and honestly handle stuttering.” “This is an important tool for families and teachers of kids who stutter too,” added Jane Fraser, president of the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation.

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