Say it in your own words: Denny’s journey from stammering to self‑advocacy

Denny has never let his stammer define him. Instead, it has become part of the journey that shaped him into a confident, thoughtful young person who now uses his own experiences to lift others up. 

Before you read his story, Denny has a message for you: “Stammering doesn’t hold you back, and it’s time we’re more open about it.” 

Standing up and speaking out 

Recently, 13-year-old Denny did something remarkable. He may be a fan of drama and music, but standing in front of a room full of his teachers at Newfield School was a big step to take. 

With a little help from Anneleen, one of our Speech and Language Therapists, Denny spoke to them about stammering – what it is, how it can feel, and what adults can do to help. 

His words made a huge impression on his teachers. Ms Fisher was blown away: “I was so amazed by Denny’s presentation,” she said. “He confidently and concisely delivered an information‑rich presentation on stammering. Denny taught us that as teachers we have a massive impact on day‑to‑day speech and language, and the importance of normalising stammering.” 

Ms Fisher left the session reflecting on how she can take Denny’s lessons forward. 

“Keeping a neutral face while talking is something I do not do. Moving forward I’ll be ensuring I maintain natural eye contact and a neutral facial expression when engaging with students and adults who stammer.” 

Coming to Sheffield Children’s 

Denny’s journey to that presentation started in a therapy room with Sheffield Children’s Speech and Language Therapy team. 

Anneleen said: “He first came for support as a young boy – just three years old – but was referred again in 2022 when he began to stammer more and that’s when we met. 

“As Denny grew older, he also grew more aware of moments when he stammered – and how it felt when he was put on the spot. After an assessment, he joined our “It’s OK to Stammer” group for primary‑aged children, where he thrived. 

“Stammering is not a defect, it’s simply a difference. It’s not something we can make go away and should not be treated any differently than anyone else’s voice.” 

Later, just before starting secondary school, he returned once more – because he wanted to keep learning. This time he asked to join a teenage group. Again, he thrived. But this time, something new emerged; a desire to advocate for others. 

“Denny shared with us that he’d like to be an advocate for people who stammer in his secondary school,” Anneleen explained. 

So together, they created a plan for what he wanted his teachers to know and joined by a teacher who also stammers, they delivered their presentation as a team. 

A young advocate with a big future 

Following up on his presentation, Denny is determined to use his experiences to make school – and the wider world – a more understanding place for people who stammer. His openness, his empathy, and his willingness to speak up are already making an impact. 

Denny said: “I’d like to see more understanding from the public. It can help to tell people about your stammer and be open about it. It doesn’t reflect your intelligence or your personality at all. 

“I have had great support from the Speech and Language Therapy team for a long time and it’s been a huge help in making me who I am today.”  

A story that reflects 150 years of care 

As Sheffield Children’s prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary, Denny’s story is an inspiring reminder of what our organisation has always stood for: creating a healthier future for children and young people. 

His journey – from a three‑year‑old playing games in speech therapy to a teenager standing proudly in front of his teachers – reflects that mission. The support he received, from early intervention to group sessions that built confidence and community, shows what happens when children are met with compassion, expertise and belief. As Denny said: “Stammering doesn’t hold you back.”