My 16-year-old son, currently a high school junior, has stuttered his whole life. He’s one of millions of stutters. It’s not because he is nervous, unsure of what to say or shy. He just stutters. When you watch the movie “The King’s Speech,” you get an idea of the stresses of living with a stutter. Imagine it as a teen.

Last year, our family discovered the National Stuttering Association (NSA) and all kinds of possibilities opened up for our son and family.

This engaging non-profit provides support, friendship and information to the stuttering community, instilling a sense of self-worth so often missing in the lives of those who battle this speech disorder.

At the NSA’s annual convention last summer, my son experienced the fun, camaraderie and encouragement of spending time with others who stutter. It was really empowering and he was inspired to act.

Our son is forming a Silicon Valley chapter of TWST (Teens Who Stutter). This is an NSA-approved local chapter for 14 to 19 year olds. If you stutter or know someone who does, you are invited to come, meet and hang out with other teens like you!

The goal of these meetings is not to provide group therapy, but instead to create a safe environment for stuttering teenagers to make friends and enjoy the company of others who understand what they are going through. During the meetings the teens will be able to share stories and play foosball or ping pong in supportive surroundings.

We’re meeting on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6-8 p.m. at the Palo Alto Elks Lodge. Join us on February 28!

To RSVP or ask questions, contact Mikal Greaves, 650-938-6356 or mikal@greaves.net.