ISLAMABAD, Oct 22 (APP):International Stuttering Awareness Day was observed in Pakistan on Thursday to raise awareness about speech fluency disorders, promote early intervention and encourage inclusive environments for people who stutter.
Medical experts stressed the importance of timely assessment, speech therapy and public understanding to help people with stuttering communicate confidently and participate equally in education, employment and social activities.
Globally, stuttering affects approximately one per cent of adults, while around five per cent of children experience it at some point during childhood. However, reliable nationwide data on its prevalence in Pakistan remain limited.
Stuttering is a speech fluency disorder characterized by repetitions of sounds or words, prolonged sounds or interruptions in the flow of speech. It often begins in early childhood and may affect communication, confidence and social participation, particularly when individuals face stigma or discrimination.
Health experts said speech-language therapy was a key approach to managing stuttering. Early assessment and appropriate intervention can help children and adults develop strategies to improve communication and manage speaking difficulties.
Dr Naeem Saleem, a medical practitioner advised parents to consult qualified speech-language therapists if a child experiences persistent stuttering, struggles while speaking or becomes distressed by communication difficulties. Early professional assessment can help determine suitable support and care, he added.
He said,”Although no single treatment works for everyone, speech therapy can help individuals manage stuttering and improve their communication experiences.”
He highlighted the importance of supportive family environments, patient listening and avoiding criticism or pressure on individuals to speak fluently.
Dr Fareeda Atif, a health expert urged educational institutions, employers and public and private organisations to promote respectful classrooms and inclusive workplaces, ensuring that people who stutter are treated with dignity and have equal opportunities to participate in society.
She emphasized that greater awareness, access to professional support and reduced social stigma were essential to improving the quality of life of people who stutter.
Public-sector institutions, including the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), provide speech and language therapy services to support people with communication difficulties.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
