I noticed my stutter around age three. I’d get stuck, especially when I was excited or had to speak in front of people. With strangers it was the worst, often affecting 85% of my words. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but as I got older, it started to affect me more. People would finish my sentences, laugh, or act awkward towards me. I started avoiding certain words and situations. It wasn’t just a speech issue; it was a confidence issue.
Simple things became hard: introducing myself, asking questions, even saying “hello” in certain moments. I’d avoid phone calls and freeze up in group conversations. It made me feel like I couldn’t fully be myself. I stayed quiet, not because I had nothing to say, but because I was scared to speak.
I tried traditional speech therapy. They told me to breathe, slow down, do tongue twisters, but it never really helped in real life. I’d speak fine during the sessions, but go straight back to blocking as soon as pressure hit. It felt like they didn’t understand the mental battle I was going through.
WSSA changed everything. I learned about WSSA’s temporary tools or crutches, such as, short increments, extreme pronunciation, and all of that. My favorite crutch is short increments and crutch four. But more than techniques, they helped me believe I could take control. I practiced every day, journaled wins, and started challenging myself to speak in situations I used to avoid. And one person who helped me a lot on that journey was my WSSA certified stuttereing therapist, Danny.
Danny honestly changed the game for me. He didn’t just teach; he cared. He gave me tips, explained the crutches clearly, and checked in with me regularly. Sometimes he’d call just to see how my speech was going. I remember he even gave me a full hour-long practice call for free, helping me get comfortable with the crutches. That kind of support meant everything. I’ve had other therapists before, but Danny is the greatest therapist I’ve ever had and the only one who believed that stuttering is curable. I’ll always be grateful for him. WSSA’s StopStutter App and Lee’s books helped a lot too.
Mohammad, England, 2025