Stuttering: Myths, Beliefs and Straight Talk

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (June 1, 2009) — If you stutter, you are not alone. Experts agree that one percent of the world’s population stutters – that means 3 million Americans and 67 million people worldwide.

"Myths about stuttering persist despite our efforts to debunk them," said Jane Fraser, president of the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation. "They create a negative perception of people who stutter and harm their chances of success at school and in the workplace."

Speech-language pathologists, Peter Reitzes, M.A., and Greg Snyder, Ph.D., worked to compile an exciting new brochure to set the record straight:

Myth: Stuttering is my fault.

Straight Talk: While we may not know the exact cause of stuttering, we are certain of two things: stuttering is not your fault, and stuttering is not your parents’ fault. Stuttering is a biological and neurological condition. As such, stuttering is not contagious like the common cold and is not the result of bad parenting, a stressful childhood or a traumatic event. No one chooses to stutter and no one is to blame.

Myth: Stuttering can be outgrown.

Straight Talk: Most people start stuttering between 2-4 years of age, so if stuttering is going to go away by itself, it usually does so fairly soon. If stuttering continues into the teen years, it will most likely continue throughout adulthood. The good news is that there are many options and choices in managing stuttering productively.

Myth: Those who stutter cannot be successful.

Straight Talk: People who stutter are as smart and capable as anyone else. Many exceptionally smart, talented and successful people struggle with stuttering including: Vice President Joe Biden, actor James Earl Jones, 20/20 television reporter John Stossel, Oscar and Grammy award singer Carly Simon, San Diego Charger Darren Sproles, legendary star of the Chicago Bulls Bob Love, and many more.

A copy of the free downloadable brochure Stuttering: Myths, Beliefs and Straight Talk, and a list of famous people who stutter can be found at the Stuttering Foundation Web site, www.stutteringhelp.org, or call 800-992-9392.

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Note to reporters and editors: A PDF copy of the Stuttering: Myths, Beliefs and Straight Talk brochure can be e-mailed to you. A media resource kit on stuttering is also available to help with stories or sidebars. President Jane Fraser is available for interviews.

CELEBRITY FOCUS

Bill Withers

While Bill Withers has long been on the Stuttering Foundation's list of Famous People Who Stutter, many people probably didn’t realize he stuttered. He passed away on March 30, 2020.

Born in 1938 in Slab Fork, W.V., Withers was the youngest of six children. When his father died when Withers was small, he was raised by his mother and grandmother, both of whom worked as domestics.

Darren Sproles

Darren Sproles, a former player for The Philadelphia Eagles, the New Orleans Saints and the San Diego Chargers, made history in 2007 when he became the first player in NFL history to return a kickoff and a punt for his first two NFL touchdowns in the same game. In 2021, he was selected to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Jack Paar

While Jack Paar is among the most prominent of the entertainers on the Stuttering Foundation’s list of Famous People Who Stutter, he deserves special recognition as he was among the first to openly address his stuttering in public. As host of The Tonight Show from 1957-1962, he spoke of his difficulties as a stuttering child and teenager, giving hope to young people.

Ken Venturi

As much of the nation watches the U.S. Open Golf Championship, it is impossible not to think about our late friend Ken Venturi. Ken overcame many challenges to win the Open at Congressional in 1964 and go on to become the voice of golf for more than three decades.

However, Ken faced no bigger obstacle than stuttering. Ken Venturi was a champion to those who stutter, going out of his way to share his personal experience when consulted by a colleague, friend, or child who stutters.

King George

In November 2010, worldwide movie audiences were presented with a most interesting and unusual movie release with The King’s Speech, starring Colin Firth as King George VI and Helena Bonham Carter as his wife Elizabeth.

Unfortunately, history may have forgotten the courageous and inspiring story of Prince Albert who stuttered badly and never dreamed that he would ever be king when his older brother, King Edward VIII, abruptly abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee.