PAU Hospitals’ Speech and Language Therapists Gizem Oruç and İsmail Emir Salınan addressed the following points in their statements:

“Stuttering is a fluency disorder that can manifest itself through interruptions in the flow of speech, sound or syllable repetitions, prolongations, and blocks that may occur during speaking. It varies from person to person. However, stuttering is not solely about how speech is produced. It can also affect how individuals express themselves, their social lives, self-confidence, and experiences of communication.

One of the greatest needs of people who stutter during communication is to be listened to patiently. Finishing their sentences for them, saying words on their behalf, or offering suggestions such as ‘speak slowly,’ ‘relax,’ or ‘say it again’ often does not help. Instead, making eye contact, listening without interrupting, and focusing on what they want to say make communication much more supportive.

Stuttering Does Not Determine Intelligence or Communication Skills

The speech and language therapists continued their statements as follows:

“Stuttering does not reflect an individual’s intelligence, level of knowledge, or communication skills. People who stutter can express their thoughts, feelings, and themselves just as effectively as other individuals. Therefore, our goal is not simply to achieve ‘fluent speech,’ but to support individuals’ confidence in communicating, their participation, and their ability to express themselves as they are.

As speech and language therapists, we are qualified healthcare professionals authorized to assess stuttering and determine an appropriate therapeutic approach for each individual. In the therapy process, in addition to speech fluency, we also address feelings and thoughts about speaking, avoidance behaviors, communication environments, and the effects of stuttering on individuals’ lives.

Early and accurate assessment, along with raising families’ awareness, is particularly important for ensuring that the process is managed effectively in children.

Stuttering is not a flaw; it is part of communication diversity. Today and every day, let us listen less to how people speak and more to what they want to say.”