Speech disorders are a crippling blow to the self-confidence that most people have. Coupled with fame and high expectations that come with being a popular personality, speech disorders can prove to be even more overwhelming. Stammers or stutters are a common manifestation of a speech disorder. These are the most common and this problem is diagnosed by researchers as one of psychological nature, more than a physical one.
With a disorder of any kind comes a lot of criticism, mocking remarks, gaslighting media portrayal, and much more. Speech disorders are no exception to this societal evil.
Speech disorders are more easily noticeable or highlighted because communication plays a huge role in our society. Most people who have speech disorders have extreme anxiety in situations where they are required to speak, act, or sing, or even so much as open their mouths and introduce themselves - even on close, family occasions.
In such a cutthroat world, we also have people who have gone on to become legends and icons in their lives or careers, in spite of their speech disorders. This only goes to show that a disorder is only a disorder if you see it as a hurdle to your success, and not an obstacle to overcome.
However, special needs schools like Aditya Birla Integrated School are there to take proper care of these special children.
We have rounded up a group of four extremely talented and extraordinary people, most of whom belong to the entertainment field, whose success knows no bounds, and whose speech disorders have not curbed them from achieving great fame.
Paresh Rawal is known for witty remarks, his command of the punch line, and his flawless acting skills - whether he portrays a protagonist or an antagonist. However, he has been afflicted with a speech disorder from quite early on in his childhood - he was unable to put words in front of each other in public. Through his determination and countless hours of practice, by repeating sentences and word sounds, he was able to overcome his stutter. He also put himself to various tests by performing in theatre plays and in his own studio, where he would practice his dialogues over and over again to train his mind.
King George VI was crowned King of the United Kingdom the following day after his brother, Edward VIII abdicated the throne in 1936. King George, never anticipating that he would be King one day, was troubled by his stutters right from his childhood. Being the king of the most powerful nation in the world did require a lot of speeches to be given and a lot of meetings, social gatherings, and events, all witnessed by the entire world. However, instead of cowering in fear over his anxiety due to the stammer, King George proved to be a role model for people with similar conditions. With rigorous practice and determination, along with the support of his loved ones and his speech therapist, he overcame his stutter. This journey is highlighted brilliantly in the popular film ‘The King’s Speech’ (2010) which focuses on his speech disorder and shows how his relationship with the Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue helps him in delivering his famous speech over the radio and in person, on the day that Britain joined World War II. The movie and the story of the King are a great inspiration to everyone who shares a similar, if not so publicised, speech disorder.
Nicole Kidman is an internationally acclaimed actor and producer, who has suffered from ‘exceptional shyness’, which was made worse because of her stutter as a child. While describing her experience as a child, and even now, after starring in multiple films, she says, "I am very shy – really shy – I even had a stutter as a kid, which I slowly got over, but I still regress into that shyness. So I don't like walking into a crowded restaurant by myself. I don't like going to a party by myself." She says how everyone would just advise her to “calm down, think about what to say”, whenever she couldn’t get the words out. Even though this experience has left a mark on her, she has vowed to not let it overwhelm her. Overcoming her fear of public speaking, and her shy personality, she has gone on to become one of the most influential actors of the generation.
It is difficult to imagine the current president of the USA had a stutter - given the number of speeches he has to make and public occasions he has to attend. Even when he was a Vice-President under Obama’s presidentiality, Joe Biden suffered from a speech disorder that was quite acute. He was bullied a lot in school and in his early childhood due to this, which left a scar on him. After putting up with the bullying for years, he decided to take a stand for himself and overcome his obstacles. With therapy and self-recitation , he eventually overcame his stutter.
To sum up, there are so many schools for special needs education, which cater to varying difficulties faced by young students so that they are not treated the way that these people were. Speech therapists are splendid and well-trained professionals who can help you deal with any speech disorder in a phased manner. However, throughout it all, the one thing you must always remember is that these people can be so famous that their disorders are overlooked and accepted, then you can also learn from them and believe in your ability to get better.
Also read:
How To Know if Your Child Has Special Needs?
Factors to Consider While Looking for A Special Learning School in Mumbai
