[ Contents | Search | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: Alan Badmington (to Valerie)
Date: 15 Oct 2007
Time: 04:46:57 -0500
Remote Name: 195.194.75.225
Hi Valerie, I am most grateful to you for reading my paper, and for taking the time to participate in this discussion. It makes all the effort worthwhile. I genuinely believe that children should be exposed to such subjects at school - they would be far better equipped to deal with the challenges of life. Having facilitated workshops for PWS of all ages, it is so heartening to observe how readily they accept opportunities to expand their comfort zones. When children (and adults for that matter) take part in group activities, they gain encouragement and camaraderie from others who are present. It has been my experience that, when they see someone else accepting a challenge, they will, generally, follow suit. They have SO MUCH fun. I think it is essential that they understand why they are being asked to perform a specific task, particularly where they may be acting totally out-of-character. When I accompany PWS out onto the streets to approach (and engage in conversation with) total strangers), I always set them an example by demonstrating what they are expected to do, and support them when they then undertake a similar task. May I respectfully suggest that you do likewise with your future clients. I did not gain my knowledge of comfort zones (and many other psychological matters) until recent years. Although my maturity has, undoubtedly, helped me to understand the relevant subjects, I feel that they can still be successfully explained to children, providing the concept is simplified. I have seen many children/adolescents benefit immensely by stepping outside their comfort zones and accepting challenges. Those of us who are a little 'longer in the tooth' frequently have far greater amounts of emotional baggage to shed. ;-) So many people within the stuttering community have suggested that I should write a book. Many of my articles/poems are already online, but I can't seem to find the time to place them under one cover. The problem is that I'm simply enjoying life too much to take time out from speaking. I waited for more than 50 years to be able to say what I want - I'm simply making up for lost time. ;-) Valerie, I wish you every success with your studies. Kindest regards Alan