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From: Alan (to Mary L)
Date: 22 Oct 2007
Time: 05:52:22 -0500
Remote Name: 195.194.75.225
Hi Mary L, Thank you, so much, for reading my paper and submitting your valued comments. The annual ISAD Online Conference (and the Stuttering Homepage in general) is a wonderful resource for anyone with an interest in stuttering. Yes, it certainly can be daunting to step outside our comfort zone, but I found that by putting up with the initial discomfort, I was able to reap immense rewards. I'm typing this (rather hastily) at the local library, so I don't really have a great deal of time to consider my response. However, my initial thought is that there should not be a lower-age limit at which we should be encouraged to deal with avoidance, and challenge our fears. I feel that it would be acceptable to start conveying these important concepts as early as possible. I have read that we inherit 50% of our belief system by the age of TWO years, while 90% of the beliefs that currently shape our lives are in place by the age of 14/15. It, therefore, makes sense that the earlier children are exposed to such concepts, the better. The older we become, the more emotional baggage we accumulate. You may find it useful to scan through my earlier responses in this threaded discussion, as I feel that some of them touch upon the points that you have raised. In addition, I think it would be useful for you to read the following articles that I contributed to previous ISAD Online Conferences: (1) STEP OUTSIDE: Why expanding comfort zones can improve our stuttering and lead to more fulfilling lives: http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/isad6/papers/badmington6.html (2) 'Changing the words around' (a poem, particularly relevant to children, about avoidance and word substitution): http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/isad7/papers/badmington7/badmington17.html When I changed my approach seven years, I promised myself that I would have fun with my speech. That's exactly what I have done. I respectfully suggest that you encourage your clients (of all ages) to do likewise. I wish you every success with your studies and future career. Kindest regards Alan