Former NBA standout Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is using his platform to raise awareness about stuttering, a condition he struggled with throughout his career. The talented 6-foot-6 forward, who played a key role in leading the Kentucky Wildcats to a national championship in 2012 and was the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA draft that year, is turning his personal challenge into a catalyst for change.
During his professional career, Kidd-Gilchrist played for teams like the Charlotte Bobcats (later the Charlotte Hornets) and the Dallas Mavericks before stepping away from the court in 2020 after being released by the New York Knicks. Throughout his career, he averaged 8.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in 466 games.
Despite his success on the court, Kidd-Gilchrist was battling a personal struggle off it. He, like more than 3 million Americans and over 80 million people worldwide, suffered from stuttering. This condition often leads to false perceptions about the individual, such as them being nervous, unintelligent, or rude. It can make simple tasks like introducing oneself or ordering a drink at a coffee shop feel as challenging as solving a complex math problem.
As his basketball career took off, so did his popularity and the demands for interviews and public speaking. This was challenging for Kidd-Gilchrist due to his stutter. However, he realized that he had the opportunity to not only advocate for himself but also for others like him.
Transforming his personal struggle into a force for good, Kidd-Gilchrist founded Change & Impact Inc. The organization aims to improve healthcare for those who stutter and provide them with better resources and access. Additionally, it strives to raise awareness about stuttering and debunk the misconceptions surrounding it.
Kidd-Gilchrist's advocacy work has already seen success, with him personally working with lawmakers in Kentucky and Pennsylvania to pass legislation requiring health insurance coverage for speech therapy for those who stutter. The respective governors of these states have signed these bills into law over the last year. He is currently working with lawmakers in several other states to pass similar legislations.
The organization emphasizes the importance of early access to speech therapy for children who stutter, as it can greatly improve their chances of recovery. It is known that most children start stuttering between the ages of 2 and 5 years old and stuttering has a genetic component.
In a message of hope to those dealing with stuttering, Kidd-Gilchrist advises leaning on those who mean well and looking forward to better days ahead. He encourages them to seek friendship and to be themselves, regardless of their speech issues.