Stuttering Kiwis given voice

Some of NZ’s most well known stuttering people have lent their voices to help raise awareness of the benefits of early intervention for stuttering.

Principal youth court judge Andrew Becroft, parenting expert Ian Grant, former politician and now union secretary Matt McCarten, as well as former All Black Royce Willis, all support START – the Stuttering Treatment and Research Trust.

“These high profile individuals have all had their own personal struggle with stuttering, but found ways to live in spite of stuttering and be successful,” says START chairman, Nigel Whiteman. “We believe their stories will be very inspiring for people who stutter.”

Judge Becroft says he feels privileged to be asked to help with START’s awareness campaign. “I received help from a speech language therapist more than 25 years ago and believe people should do what they can to overcome a stutter, but not let it stop them from achieving their goals,” he says.

For former All Black Royce Willis, helping children and teenagers who stutter to gain more self-confidence when speaking, was a driving factor in getting behind START’s campaign.

“I suffered horrifically as a teenager - it really rocked my confidence.  But learning techniques like those offered by START really can make a difference and I want young people to know more about things they can do to treat their stutter,” he says.

Both Ian Grant and Matt McCarten say the need for public speaking in their careers helped them to learn techniques, which minimise the impact of stuttering.

Mr Whiteman says many families do not seek help early enough, believing that their children will grow out of their stutter.

“While that is true in many cases, we know that early treatment does make a difference as to whether a stutter persists into adulthood.  Many parents are confused about what to do when their child starts stuttering, and getting good information early is a vital part of dealing with the issue effectively,” he says.