Pakistan observed International Stuttering Awareness Day on 22 October to raise consciousness about speech fluency disorders. Stuttering is defined as a speech fluency disorder where individuals experience interruptions in speech flow, prolonged sounds, or repetitions of words and sounds.
Globally, approximately 1 per cent of adults suffer from stuttering, while roughly 5 per cent of children experience the condition at some point during their childhood. Reliable nationwide data regarding the prevalence of stuttering in Pakistan remain limited.
Dr Naeem Saleem advised parents to seek out qualified speech-language therapists if a child exhibits persistent stuttering. "Although no single treatment works for everyone, speech therapy can help individuals manage stuttering and improve their communication experiences," Dr Naeem Saleem said.
Speech-language therapy serves as a primary method for managing the disorder, with the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences providing these specific services. Dr Fareeda Atif urged public and private organisations, employers, and educational institutions to foster inclusive workplaces and respectful classrooms.
