When facing a challenge, it often helps to get advice from others in the same situation. That’s the theory behind the video, Stuttering: For Kids by Kids, which is now available at most Maui County libraries.

The video, produced by the Stuttering Foundation, stars children of all ages who struggle with the verbal challenge. The kids in the video, who range from first-graders to high school students, offer honest views of their situations as they talk about how they handle challenges that include speaking in class and teasing. Of course, some of the children have differing viewpoints.

One 10-year-old says stuttering “is no big deal,” according to an Oct. 25 press release from the Stuttering Foundation. But 12-year-old Umang disagrees. “Sometimes it gets kind of annoying when you want to say something and you can’t,” Umang said. “I also get worried what other people might think if I do stutter and wonder if I’ll be able to get out of my blocks and things.”

“The children featured are a perfect example of how to openly and honestly handle stuttering,” Bill Murphy, Purdue University speech-language pathologist, said in the press release. “All those interested in helping kids learn more about stuttering will want to see this tape.”

Jane Fraser of the non-profit Stuttering Foundation agrees. “This is an important tool for families and teachers of kids who stutter,” she said.

Additional specialists involved in the project include Lee Caggiano of the Friends support group for children; Joe Donaher of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Lisa Scott of Florida State University; and Kristin A. Chmela of Northwestern University.

According to the press release, several libraries in the county received the free video and agreed to shelve it. But the Stuttering Foundation cannot guarantee that it’s currently available. On Maui, the video was sent to libraries in Hana, Kahului, Kihei, Lahaina, Makawao and Wailuku. It was also sent to Lanai Public Library and Molokai Public Library.

Also, several books and DVDs produced by the 66-year-old Stuttering Foundation are available free to any public library. For more information, contact the foundation at 800-992-9392 or email info@stutteringhelp.org.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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