STORYMIRROR

Vaman Acharya

Children Stories

3  

Vaman Acharya

Children Stories

From Stutter To Strength

From Stutter To Strength

5 mins
30


From Stutter To Strength

(Story of a girl who found her words)

By Vaman Acharya

1

Maya, an eight year old bright talented girl, suddenly started stuttering in the second grade classroom of Matoshri Bhavani Secondary School, Raghavpur. 

“Good morning, my students, Mrs Sharma said, noticing Maya's struggle. Today, we are discussing….”

 “Maya raised her hand, but her words tangled in her throat. “I-I…want to answer.”

Mrs. Sharma's concern was evident. “Maya, is everything okay?”

Maya's mother Mrs. Nalini Rao, teacher in the same school, was informed. 

“What happened Maya?” she asked, worry etched on her face.

2

At Dhanvantari Multi Specialist Hospital, Dr. Rukmini Iyer, a specialist speech therapist, examined Maya.

“Madam, how did Maya suddenly stutter? Dr. Iyer asked.

Mrs. Rao explained, “I encouraged Maya's imitations like yawning when others yawn or singing like singers. This morning, Maya saw Riya, a stuttering girl, asking for money to buy bread. Maya imitated Riya, thinking it funny, without realising the impact. “

Dr. Iyer nodded, “Stuttering or stammering is due to muscle memory from imitating Riya. What is your favourite ice-cream flavour Maya?”

Maya tried to reply,

I-I-I want…ch-ch-chocolate ice cream, p-p-please. Why c-c-can't I s-s-say it? I know the w-w-word! It's…. it's…”

Dr. Iyer could realise the depth of Maya's stutter and said,

 “Stuttering also known as stammering is a complex speech disorder with various factors. Maya's stammering is due to muscle memory from imitating the other girl. I advise four types of treatment. First,  practising difficult words starting with ‘st’ or ‘stg’ like street, stretch etc., repeatedly. These words are a technique used in speech therapy. Second, do breathing exercises as instructed for at least half an hour daily. Third, let the child finish what she says and do not interrupt. Fourth, parent-child interaction for one hour daily at a convenient time. Start this immediately and consult me after three months. I prescribed two tablets, one in the afternoon after food, another at bedtime. Come after three months.”

Nalini and Maya left the hospital.

3

 Maya was determined to regain her speech. She followed the doctor’s advice. Mrs. Rao was not sure whether practising difficult words and other methods suggested by the doctor would work.

Maya believed Dr. Iyer. The little girl accepted the challenges but persists in practising tough words and following other methods simultaneously. Mrs. Rao

was helping and watching the daughter. Maya learns about patience, self-

awareness to reach the goal. 

Three months passed. 

Maya did everything without break. Maya and Mrs. Rao again consulted the doctor to know the progress. 

Dr. Iyer was happy and said,

 “Maya regained 75% of the speech. I am really happy for her excellent progress. I advise you to continue the same line of treatment for another three months.”

 At the end of three months, Maya

and Mrs. Rao consulted the doctor. 

Dr. Iyer could not believe and said, 

“ Mrs. Rao, your daughter Maya got 100% relief and started to speak normally. It is a result of Maya's struggles, emotions resulting in  improvement throughout the treatment period. Now,  Maya is perfectly fine and tells her not to commit such mistakes in future.”

Maya heard the doctor's advice and said with smile,

“Thank you very much doctor. I feel proud and relieved from the stutter. I will not repeat such a mistake.”

Mrs. Rao said,

“Dr. Iyer, Maya’s relationship with family, friends and your support played an important factor for the recovery.” 

“Yes! Mrs. Rao, you are correct.”

Iyer patted on the back of Maya and said,

“Good girls always listen to the elders.”

4

Maya learnt a valuable lesson about empathy and understanding. Mrs. Sharma and students of Maya's class expressed congratulations and wished all the best to Maya. 

Mrs.Rao had no words to express gratitude to all, especially her colleague Mrs. Sharma. 

The story of Maya's struggle for relief from the stutter to strength was published in the newspaper, ‘Raghavpur Chronicle. Philanthropist Jayasimha was impressed to read the story. He met Maya and expressed good wishes to her.  Maya folded her hands towards philanthropist and said,

Sir, can you do me a favour.”

“What do you want from me Maya?”

“Sir, please help my friend Riya, who is poor and is stuttering, needs your help.”

Jayasimha gladly accepted the request. Riya was called. Jayasimha promised to provide her entire medical treatment.

Everybody appreciated Maya's gesture towards Riya.

Maya's journey shows kids her courage, confidence in overcoming challenges. 

It is a moral lesson for the children to be more careful while imitating stutters.



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