What does ‘stammering awareness’ mean?

You might have heard the phrase 'stammering awareness' talked about online or in speech and language therapy sessions. In this article, we define what it is means to raise awareness about stammering and what the goal of 'stammering awareness' means for society. 

To raise stammering awareness means to:

• increase people’s knowledge of correct information about stammering;
• dispel common myths about stammering;
• promote better understanding of stammering through sharing the experiences of people who stammer.

Raising awareness helps people to better understand what stammering is, and what it isn’t (including common myths). It helps people to appreciate that there can be much more to having a stammer than what they see; having a stammer can adversely impact an individual’s thoughts, feelings, behaviours, well-being and mental health - both in the short-term and in the long-term. Increasing knowledge and understanding works to transform attitudes and leads to better support and respect for people who stammer.

International Stammering Awareness Day (ISAD) first took place in 1998 and is celebrated each year on 22nd October. On this day each year, the stammering community holds events and activities to mark the occasion - shining a spotlight on stammering around the world. 

Here at Action for Stammering Children we run several events and campaigns each year to raise stammering awareness. Join us on our socials or sign up to our mailing list to stay in the loop!

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Instagram @stammer_action

• Join us on Bluesky @stammeringchildren.org