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Q: What does a local NSA chapter do?
A: Our chapters are local support groups that provide an opportunity for people who stutter to share experiences and information about stuttering, and to practice speaking in a listener-friendly environment. Chapter leaders are volunteers and are typically persons who stutter.
Q: Will going to NSA self-help meetings cure my stuttering?
A: No. Research has shown that participation in a self-help group can help people to manage their stutter in a way that lessens the impact that stutter can have in your life. Attendees report fewer stuttering-related problems at work or school, and better communication through their reduced fear of speaking. Speech therapy is not a part of the group, however speech therapists may attend and participate as an equal participant.
If you are seeking stuttering treatment, we can supply information that will help you choose the therapy program that best meets your needs. Our members have had first-hand experience with treatment programs and usually are in touch with local speech-language pathologists who specialize in stuttering.
If you are currently working with a speech therapist, self-help meetings are an opportunity to get more value out of your therapy by practicing speaking skills in a supportive environment. In fact, surveys show that support group participants are more likely to have successful speech therapy.
Q: How severely do most NSA self-help group participants stutter?
A: It varies widely. Some of us struggle on every word, others speak fluently most of the time. There’s no such thing as a “typical” stutterer.
Q: Who can attend a NSA chapter meeting?
A: Meetings are for people who stutter or anyone with an interest in stuttering including family members, speech therapists and speech pathology students.
Q: What happens at a NSA self-help meeting?
A: Chapter meetings are friendly and informal. Attendance ranges from a few people to more than a dozen. Attendees have an opportunity to “check in” to share recent experiences, and there’s plenty of discussion to exchange information about stuttering and handling stuttering-related situations. In addition to chapter meetings, some chapters have social activities.
Q: Will I have to talk or introduce myself?
A: We encourage everyone to share as they feel comfortable, but nobody’s going to put you on the spot. Members feel free to stutter without fear of embarrassment, or to practice speaking in a non-threatening environment.
Q: Are there any dues or fees?
A: There is no charge for chapter meetings
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