Community group observes International Stuttering Awareness Day in Riyadh - As-salamu alaykum
As-salamu alaykum - To observe International Stuttering Awareness Day, the stuttering awareness and support group Mutalaathem organized a gathering Wednesday evening at the Cultural House in Riyadh. They held a talk about practical communication techniques for people who stutter, plus panel sessions for both adults and youth.
Founder Saad Al-Munajem said the event was named “Give Me My Time,” because those of us who stutter need patience to get our words out. He explained the aim is to raise awareness in our community and remind people that stuttering is simply a different way of speaking - fluent speech isn’t the only measure of expressing thoughts; we just need time and understanding.
Stuttering is a speech difficulty that makes saying words smoothly a challenge. The Saudi Ministry of Health notes it can worsen with excitement, tiredness, or stress. It commonly starts in early childhood, around ages 2 to 5, and if it continues, families should consider seeking professional support. While exact causes aren’t fully known, experts say a mix of factors, including genetics and brain differences, can play a role.
Lolwah Al-Nogaidan, who attended with her son Saad, shared that he began stuttering at age 3 and used to be shy and feel different. After attending last year’s event and seeing others who stutter, she noticed a big change: he gained confidence to speak, and she’s since made a point of joining events with him.
Al-Munajem spoke about his own journey with stuttering and how it inspired him to start Mutalaathem in 2021. He said his outlook shifted during university - he began focusing on delivering his message rather than chasing perfect fluency. That change in mindset improved his life, even though the stutter remained, and he hopes to help others reach a similar place of confidence and acceptance.
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