Ben Jealous Discusses Personal Struggles With Communication Disorder

The latest campaign stop for gubernatorial candidate Ben Jealous was right here in Montgomery County. Jealous joined school administrators, speech specialists, and young adults at the National Therapy Center in Bethesda to discuss his personal struggles with stuttering.

“For me, this was probably one of the big challenges I had to take on early,” said Jealous.

According to staff at the National Therapy Center, stuttering is more than what people see and hear. Often times, those who struggle with stutters are battling from within. It can increase isolation, withdrawal from activities, and most importantly, have an impact on self-confidence.

“I stutter so bad sometimes that I get bullied, said Affef Khan. “I go home and wait for everyone to go to sleep so I can just cry.”

The National Therapy Center Staff partnered with Jealous in an effort to empower those impacted by a communications disorder.

“We’re so lucky to have a lot of athletes, actors and politicians, that have communication disorders, but have a voice,” said Brooke Leiman, director of the stuttering clinic with the National Therapy Center. “It’s so important for our children to see that and know that they don’t have to be held back by their communication disorder.”

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Mitti Hicks

About Mitti Hicks

Mitti Hicks is a multimedia journalist and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She is passionate about telling stories that impact our community and may be reached at MHicks@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter @mittimegan.

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