Children and teenagers who stutter often suffer from social isolation and their parents sometimes can’t figure out how to nudge them toward reaching their potential.
In recognition of May as Better Speech and Hearing Month, the Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center is sponsoring Unlock A Voice, a seminar for parents of children who stutter. Unlock A Voice organizer Mae Israel, a former editor for The Washington Post, will engage parents in discussion about her experiences as a life-long stutterer. Parents will have the opportunity to better understand and discuss ways to help their children cope with dysfluency.
The National Institutes of Health estimate that approximately 3 million Americans, or 1 percent of the population, stutter. Approximately 5 percent of children will stutter for some period in their life, according to NIH. Earlier this year, federal researchers identified three genes that may cause the speech disorder.
The free Unlock A Voice seminar will begin at 5:30 p.m. on May 13 at the Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center, Woodlawn Office Park, 210 E. Woodlawn Rd., Bldg 6, Suite 150, Charlotte. Childcare will be provided.
Space is limited and interested parents are encouraged to register as soon as possible. For additional information or to register, contact Angie Rikard, director of speech and language services, at arikard@charlottespeechhearing.com or by calling 704-523-8027.
