Maharati

Stuttering should never be taken as a sign of cognitive decline or reduced intellectual capability. This can’t be stated enough as stuttering continues to have a prominent public focus, most recently during a conversation on CNN’s State of the Union this past Sunday.

Fact check: Stuttering is a way of speaking—nothing more and nothing less—for almost 70 million people worldwide.

Beyond misrepresenting telltale signs of stuttering as cognitive decline, expressing pity for someone who stutters is also hurtful and harmful. A long body of scientific evidence shows stuttering has no impact on a person’s intelligence—and people who stutter can and do lead full and accomplished lives.

Together, let us use this year’s International Stuttering Awareness Day (October 22) to promote understanding of stuttering and respect for people who stutter—and to combat misinformation and mistreatment that is all too common. For accurate, evidence-based, shareable information on stuttering, visit https://www.asha.org/stuttering-toolkit/