Eight-year-old Tyler MacDonald can relate to the stuttering King George VI, played to perfection by Colin Firth in The King's Speech, which won four Oscars at the 2011 Academy Awards.
A year ago, MacDonald's stutter kept him from participating in group activities where he might be called upon to speak in public. "He didn't want to be in social settings," says Terry MacDonald, Tyler's father. "He didn't like going to school or hockey."
The University of Alberta's Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research (ISTAR) recently opened an office in Calgary to help people like Tyler regain their confidence by overcoming their stuttering.
Headquartered at the U of A's Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine - which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year - ISTAR is a world leader in stuttering research and for 25 years has been offering specialized treatment to children, teens and adults who stutter. ISTAR opened its Calgary office in February 2011, ensuring that Calgarians who stutter have the same access to treatment as Edmontonians do.
"Stuttering can have serious emotional, social and vocational consequences for adults and school-age children," says Marilyn Langevin, '88 BSc, '91 MSc, acting executive director of ISTAR. "It can limit children from reaching their potential in school and limit adults from seeking the work they, in their hearts, want to do. Our recent research shows stuttering can even prevent preschoolers from participating or leading peers in play. Play is hugely important for children."
It's estimated that one in 100 people have the disorder. "Stuttering affects as many as 11 percent of preschool children," says Martin Ferguson-Pell, dean of rehabilitation medicine. "Expanding our services to Calgary and building awareness around stuttering is important. We want to serve as many Albertans as we can."
For their part, Tyler and his father feel extremely well-served by ISTAR. Tyler has regained his confidence, is no longer afraid to raise his hand in class, and, best of all, "I'm also better friends with my dad," he says. Previously, Tyler spoke only to his mom most of the time.
"My relationship with my son has improved so much after being involved in his treatment at ISTAR," says Terry. "Tyler's progress in school and sports has improved as a result of his new confidence - because of ISTAR."
For his part, Tyler says he once again loves playing hockey. He likes school now, too.
ISTAR is a self-funded institute in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. It receives vital operating support from donors, including the Elks and Royal Purple of Alberta and Canada.
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